how tight should a alternator belt be

[t16coupe]

hi all i removed my air con the other day and fitted the 845e belt from halfords as i could not get a 830 on i have adjusted it so i can just push the belt down a bit with my finger in the middle its not slipping or anything is this ok

 

[PobodY]

Yes. As long as everything still turns without slipping, and you haven't got it so tight that it damages the bearing on the components, it will be ok.

 

[Jon Olds]

Check it again after a couple of hundred miles, as they usually settle down

 

[bensmith907]

Are you at max adjustment on that belt?

I think you may have problems with that size! I've not long taken one off because it was too slack. I Had to go the opposite end of the spectrum and fitted a 825e- any smaller than this will not work either. the best size would be a 836e.

 

[t16coupe]

im quite close to full adjustment but still some left i took it out yesterday and it did not slip once evan at high revs

 

[bensmith907]

You might be fine then, - - think its the low revs that cause the most slipping. The real test will be a damp morning I suppose

 

[Trondelond]

You should be able to twist it about 90 degrees, that's what I use for checking it anyway.

 

[johnsy]

as above, should only be able to twist the belt half way around its own axis