one wire alt belt squeal ?

john mullen

john mullen

Senior Member
anybody using a 1 wire alt have problems with the belt slipping. I'm using a 100 amp on mine and I can't stop the belt from slipping no mater how much I tighten it up. anyone out there having this problem????
 
I assume you're running the wide belt? There's just not much wrap on the alternator. Mine is running dual narrow belts that have better wrap, but still squeals for about 2 seconds, because it kicks in right away and at high output. Is yours squealing all the time?
 
yes it squeals constantly and I mean bad, .It's a new build with all new belts, alt, and pulleys. It's almost like it wants to lock up. just wondering if it could be a bad unit, maybe charging too much, maybe to much load, any ideas??
 
john mullen said:
I might add also that the alt is the only thing on that belt if that makes any difference
Click to expand...

Do you have an ammeter and/or voltmeter in the circuit? If so, what do they read with lights off at idle? What is battery voltage engine off?

Jack E/NJ
 
John
What is the diameter of the alternator sheave?
Possibly increase 1/2" for more contact.
Raise alternator for more contact.
Do you need 100 amps?
Bon Ami on the belts>
Bruce
 
Bruce, probably never see the 100 amps even driving at night . I have used belt dressing on the belt ,it makes it sticky as hell. I am wondering why there is so much draw that the alt would kick in at 100% just from starting the engine and running on the ignition only. what do you think
 
I had a noisy belt on my 53 Pickup. It turned out the lower belt was the wrong size (width too large). Purchased new belts when I restored the truck (go figure!). Replaced the belt, no problems since. Someone said they thought the faulty belt looked like a machinery belt.
Don in SC
 
When unplugged there is no problem . I'm thinking there is an internal regulator problem causing the alt to go to 100% out put to re charge what voltage was used to start the engine and feed the ignition. nothing else is on.. new battery fully charged to 12.6 volts
 
Hi there, Take the alternator to an auto electrical shop and have them run it up on their test bench. They can check voltage and current output under various loads. Its the quickest way to find out what it is doing. Regards, Kevin.
 
get rid of the one wire and go to the 3 wire, the three wire has only one more wire showing than the one wire, been a lot of trouble with the one wire, ive had mine, mostly because it wont break the circuit when engine is shut off, runs the battery down over nite, and some one wires wont start charging till the rpm's reach 1200 or more, in mho they cause more trouble than they fix
 
Kahuna has made a good point. The alternator might be trying to charge a low or defective battery. Try slow charging overnight and determine if the battery will elevate to 13+ volts. The alternator can require 2 HP at full output and unless there is a good wrap and /or surface contact area the belt will squeal. As an aside I would recommend some gauges.

Of course all the standard alignment and tension rules apply. I have a 100 amp one wire on one of my cars and it is not problematic except getting it up to speed to begin charging.
 
Do you have a small pulley on the alternator?? Not enough belt surface if you do. Or is the battery real load with other electrical components pulling power? G.M.
 
I have a one wire and as I remember I had to change to a larger pulley when I first installed it. I have never had a problem with it in many years. I would do as suggested and have it checked out to see if it's producing drag.
I have had the same squealing belt problem and found the belt I got "to fit" was an industrial belt and much to stiff for the small loop it needed to operate in. A bar of soap touched to the spinning belt did quite it down...not the safest way to do it, or a very long lasting band aid.
 
John
I have used a 10SI rigged for one wire over 10 years, 3" pulley, Napa belts, no trouble.
Kevin offered you good advice.
Bruce
 
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