donald1950
Senior Member
had a problem with squeel and i replaced the aluminum pulley with a steel one and that cured it
one wire alt belt squeal ?
- Thread starter john mullen
- Start date
COE Dan
Senior Member
I had this problem as my truck was a 12V convert with a 1-wire alternator. The problem likely stems from the geometry. With the alternator mounted in the stock position at the top of the engine, the belt makes well over 270 degrees of direction change. Added to the smaller pulley diameter found on most alternator pulleys, the result is slipping and squealing.
I think folks on this thread have provided good possible solutions (larger pulley diameter, notched belt, correct belt width, proper belt tension, etc.). I tried these and reduced but never fully eliminated the problem.
I'd caution anyone thinking of over-tightening the belt(s). While this might solve your squealing, you may add too much side load to the water pump shafts or prematurely wear out/break a belt.
I ultimately solved my problem when I switched back to a generator (converted to 12V output). I didn't need the output from an alternator and I wanted the stock look. However, most folks don't want the low output, no charge at idle, and other issues associated with generators so I understand that may not work for you.
Another option might be switching to an alternator in the original generator housing. Ed Whitney out in California has been converting generators to alternators for some time and he's been reviewed here on Ford Barn. I believe he uses the original pulley primarily to retain a stock look but the larger diameter might provide the added advantage to reduce slipping/squealing. I don't have a Whitney alternator conversion so I'm not in a position to recommend with any authority.
Hope this helps.
I think folks on this thread have provided good possible solutions (larger pulley diameter, notched belt, correct belt width, proper belt tension, etc.). I tried these and reduced but never fully eliminated the problem.
I'd caution anyone thinking of over-tightening the belt(s). While this might solve your squealing, you may add too much side load to the water pump shafts or prematurely wear out/break a belt.
I ultimately solved my problem when I switched back to a generator (converted to 12V output). I didn't need the output from an alternator and I wanted the stock look. However, most folks don't want the low output, no charge at idle, and other issues associated with generators so I understand that may not work for you.
Another option might be switching to an alternator in the original generator housing. Ed Whitney out in California has been converting generators to alternators for some time and he's been reviewed here on Ford Barn. I believe he uses the original pulley primarily to retain a stock look but the larger diameter might provide the added advantage to reduce slipping/squealing. I don't have a Whitney alternator conversion so I'm not in a position to recommend with any authority.
Hope this helps.