Installed new alternator. When I applied the proper belt tension I noticed that the alternator pulley was not exactly 'level' with the engine pulley. Looked like the alternator was sitting slightly to the left of being 'centered' with the engine pulley. Will this slight offset hurt the alternator bearings?

 

Photo?

 

I assume you are looking at it from the side, from the front it should be to the left ....

It'll definitely tear up the belt. Use spacers to get it even with the crank and water pump pulley.

 

^ this you probably dont have it spaced right their are many different spacers for the alt where the long bolt goes into to the block

 

Ah, the alternator pulley should not go out of line as you put tension on the belt. You should be able to overtighten the belt with no angle change.

Now we really need a photo.

 

OK. If I put the 'proper' amount of tension on the belt (according to the manual so that I can't push down more than 1/4 inch with my thumb, the bracket actually bends and throws the pulleys out of alignment about 1/4 inch. It's noticeable to the eye. The bracket isn't much, looks like the original for a six banger. Is there a stronger bracket out there? Or, should I decrease the tension so the belt doesn't slip and let it go? I'm thinking that even this smaill amount of offset probably isn't good for the belt or the alternator bearings?????

 

man it's like pulling teeth trying to get information out of these guys when they ask for help (I'm joking) now you tell us it's an inline six

 

poor bracket design, or old/weak bracket?

 

You put 'proper' amount of tension on the belt (according to the manual). I think you are the first one that has every done that, Most people just pull tension on the belt until it feels tight and let it go. If your alternator is not aligned with the rest of the pulleys, well make it aligned.

 

With no pictures it is hard to tell you what is going on but if the alt goes out of alighment while tensioning I would say you have the wrong bracket. Can you post a pic?