• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

Adjusting fan belt.

  • Thread starter Thread starter 65shlbycln
  • Start date Start date Apr 8, 2005
6

65shlbycln

Founding Member
Aug 24, 2002
1,266
0
0
Atlanta
Apr 8, 2005
#1
  • Apr 8, 2005
  • #1
Can i get this belt tight enough just by pulling up on the alternator, or do i need a crowbar or something similar to kind of pry it up? And how much slack should i have once its tight? I get like a centimeter of play each way now when i pull it up or down, which is probably where some of my squeaking noise is coming from.
 

krash kendall

Active Member
Nov 19, 2004
1,258
0
36
Aldergrove, B.C. Canada
Apr 8, 2005
#2
  • Apr 8, 2005
  • #2
You do need to pry it a bit, the size of the alt makes for a pretty short lever. A centimeter isn't bad, but make sure it isn't slapping back and forth on the low side of the belt at rpm with all the accesories on. That really shortens the life of the belt. Remember, it has to be tight enough to turn the alt, water pump and fan.
 

2nd Mustang

Founding Member
Feb 24, 2002
2,488
0
46
Southern California
Apr 8, 2005
#3
  • Apr 8, 2005
  • #3
Is this an old or new belt? If the t ension is okay, and it's squeaking, try rubbing some dry bar soap on the belt while the engine is idling, BUT BE VERY CAREFUL, DON'T PRESS ON THE BELT TOO HARD AND KEEP YOUR HANDS OUT OF THE WAY OF THE ACCESSORIES AND FAN!!!!!!!! If the belt is worn the soap will help reduce or get rid of the squeaking, but you should replace the belt if this is the problem, it's only a temporary fix.
 

skywalker

Member
Dec 22, 2003
733
0
16
Pensacola, FL
Apr 8, 2005
#4
  • Apr 8, 2005
  • #4
65shlbycln said:
Can i get this belt tight enough just by pulling up on the alternator, or do i need a crowbar or something similar to kind of pry it up? And how much slack should i have once its tight? I get like a centimeter of play each way now when i pull it up or down, which is probably where some of my squeaking noise is coming from.
Click to expand...

I'm able to adjust mine by loosening it jsut enough to move the alternatorand pulling on it as hard as I can while tightening it. I'm also a pretty strong guy though, so ymmv and you may want to get a helper to tighten it so you can get both hands on the alternator.
 

2nd Mustang

Founding Member
Feb 24, 2002
2,488
0
46
Southern California
Apr 8, 2005
#5
  • Apr 8, 2005
  • #5
Try using a long scredriver or something like that as a pry bar between the engine and the alternator to hold the tension while tightening the alternator bolts.
 
U

unluckyengineer

New Member
Dec 22, 2004
45
0
0
Apr 9, 2005
#6
  • Apr 9, 2005
  • #6
I heard having it on their too tight can reduce the life of the bearings in your accesories is this true?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

W
Electrical 91 GT Alternator Replacement Question
  • willrh111
  • Oct 22, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
6
Views
345
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Oct 23, 2025
nickyb
Rear end catch can? Anyone? Bueller?
  • DadLife0724
  • Aug 26, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
8
Views
327
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Aug 27, 2025
90trunk
D
Rockers, lash adjusters and timing: help with parts (4.6 2v)
  • dvigAtel
  • Nov 1, 2025
  • Other Auto Tech
Replies
0
Views
229
Other Auto Tech Nov 1, 2025
dvigAtel
D
Engine Radiator with no shroud provision... What to do?
  • FastDriver
  • Apr 22, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
16
Views
312
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Apr 25, 2026
FastDriver
E
2007 GT Stalls when lights or a/c turned on
  • ejscarfo
  • Jun 22, 2026
  • 2005 - 2009 Specific Tech
Replies
2
Views
110
2005 - 2009 Specific Tech Jun 29, 2026
ejscarfo
E
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?