<VV> Alternator Belt Question

[Jim Simpson]

The shop manual has a tension spec -- by memory it's about 75 lbs 
tension.  But the Corvair community consensus is that is way to high.  The 
tension should be just enough so that you can make the alternator slip 
slightly.

I have a tension gage and checked mine -- it's about 20 - 25 lbs 
tension.  I can just move the alternator in one direction, sometimes not in 
the other.

By the way, you adjust the tension at the idler pulley.  You need to loosen 
the pivot bolt slightly, then the nut that clamps the idler in place -- 
that's the one that is in the curved slot.  Pull the pulley back by hand 
hard -- you don't need a pry bar -- and tighten the clamp nut.  That should 
be about the right tension.  (Don't forget to make sure the belt guide is 
in position before you tighten the clamp nut.  If you use a pry bar, you'll 
almost certainly over tension the belt.  Retighten the pivot bolt, check 
the clearances on the belt guides, give the alternator fan a shove and you 
are done.

Jim Simpson, Group Corvair