Tonyrodz's Tahoe Build Thread

[Tonyrodz]

If the tensioner springs back and doesn’t stick in place it should be good. It’s most likely just the belt now. After it popped off it may have stretched on just one side causing it you come off again. Stick a straight edge on them pulleys to make sure everything is in line. Yard stick, piece of angle iron, something just to make sure nothing has moved and if it’s all good, I’d think it’s just the belt.


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This is the 2nd belt that's popped. Good idea with the straight edge. I just eye balled them, and they appeared good while running. I just bought a 3rd belt today. I don't have a standard size belt, I had to get a little bigger due to using a bigger--160 amp--alt.

EDIT'--The spring tensioner def springs back without sticking, nice smooth motion too. I guess it's good?

 

[Snowbound]

This is the 2nd belt that's popped. Good idea with the straight edge. I just eye balled them, and they appeared good while running. I just bought a 3rd belt today. I don't have a standard size belt, I had to get a little bigger due to using a bigger--160 amp--alt.

EDIT'--The spring tensioner def springs back without sticking, nice smooth motion too. I guess it's good?

Yeah, I would think so. If it’s not bent and pulley is in line with everything. I’d skip the tensioner. Get yourself one of those green HD belts. I’ve never had one fail on me.


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[Rocket Man]

If the tensioner springs back and doesn’t stick in place it should be good. It’s most likely just the belt now. After it popped off it may have stretched on just one side causing it you come off again. Stick a straight edge on them pulleys to make sure everything is in line. Yard stick, piece of angle iron, something just to make sure nothing has moved and if it’s all good, I’d think it’s just the belt.


Edit: on a side note, my son, Jack who is 13, has a Bob Ross t-shirt and I laughed my ass off when I first seen it. I asked him where the hell he got that from and he said he ordered it because Bob Ross is awesome. Lol.

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His belts have come off quite a few times so somethings definitely going on other than the 2-3 new ones he’s already thrown at it. Another new belt isn’t gonna solve this issue. I think a pulley is out of alignment or the belts are the wrong size. @Tonyrodz have you tried the stock belt just for the hell of it? Does it fit on at all? The tensioner should allow for a slightly bigger pulley on the alt, if that one even is actually bigger. Did you compare the old alt pulley to the new one?

 

[Tonyrodz]

His belts have come off quite a few times so somethings definitely going on other than the 2-3 new ones he’s already thrown at it. Another new belt isn’t gonna solve this issue. I think a pulley is out of alignment or the belts are the wrong size. @Tonyrodz have you tried the stock belt just for the hell of it? Does it fit on at all? The tensioner should allow for a slightly bigger pulley on the alt, if that one even is actually bigger. Did you compare the old alt pulley to the new one?

I no longer have the old alt, used it for the core. When I put the 160 amp on with the old belt, I could even get it on. Belt was now too small. Went to the parts store and had to get the next bigger belt.

 

[kbuskill]

I no longer have the old alt, used it for the core. When I put the 160 amp on with the old belt, I could even get it on. Belt was now too small. Went to the parts store and had to get the next bigger belt.

How long ago was that? Have you had issues with throwing the belt since then?

 

[Snowbound]

His belts have come off quite a few times so somethings definitely going on other than the 2-3 new ones he’s already thrown at it. Another new belt isn’t gonna solve this issue. I think a pulley is out of alignment or the belts are the wrong size. @Tonyrodz have you tried the stock belt just for the hell of it? Does it fit on at all? The tensioner should allow for a slightly bigger pulley on the alt, if that one even is actually bigger. Did you compare the old alt pulley to the new one?

That’s a good point on belt size. Gotta look at how far you need to swing tensioner to get belt on. You can mark tensioner body in relation to bracket, install belt and see how far apart the marks are. If it’s almost lined back up then it doesn’t have enough swing left to compensate for stretch when it gets warm. But I still think I’d replace a belt that’s slipped off twice. And also check alignment with straight edge. I do know that a different size/amp alternator does require a different belt. I went with a bigger alt on my Dmax and my Denali and both required a bigger belt. Stock size would not fit at all.


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[Rocket Man]

I no longer have the old alt, used it for the core. When I put the 160 amp on with the old belt, I could even get it on. Belt was now too small. Went to the parts store and had to get the next bigger belt.

I think it’s too big. Those idiots at parts stores have no clue. All they know is to look parts up in a computer by going through the options for your vehicle and most of the time they get that wrong. If you’ve been throwing belts since changing sizes, there’s your answer.

 

[Tonyrodz]

How long ago was that? Have you had issues with throwing the belt since then?

At least 1 1/2 yrs ago.

That’s a good point on belt size. Gotta look at how far you need to swing tensioner to get belt on. You can mark tensioner body in relation to bracket, install belt and see how far apart the marks are. If it’s almost lined back up then it doesn’t have enough swing left to compensate for stretch when it gets warm. But I still think I’d replace a belt that’s slipped off twice. And also check alignment with straight edge. I do know that a different size/amp alternator does require a different belt. I went with a bigger alt on my Dmax and my Denali and both required a bigger belt. Stock size would not fit at all.


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I think I did change the tensioner arm. I remember marks being on there that are no longer there.
This was this morning. I don't think this belt is even 1 month old.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

If the tensioner springs back and doesn’t stick in place it should be good. It’s most likely just the belt now. After it popped off it may have stretched on just one side causing it you come off again. Stick a straight edge on them pulleys to make sure everything is in line. Yard stick, piece of angle iron, something just to make sure nothing has moved and if it’s all good, I’d think it’s just the belt.


Edit: on a side note, my son, Jack who is 13, has a Bob Ross t-shirt and I laughed my ass off when I first seen it. I asked him where the hell he got that from and he said he ordered it because Bob Ross is awesome. Lol.

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My daughter and her friends are big on Bob Ross, as well. Lol.
Fun fact: Bob Ross, Master Sgt, USAF.

This is the 2nd belt that's popped. Good idea with the straight edge. I just eye balled them, and they appeared good while running. I just bought a 3rd belt today. I don't have a standard size belt, I had to get a little bigger due to using a bigger--160 amp--alt.

EDIT'--The spring tensioner def springs back without sticking, nice smooth motion too. I guess it's good?

You could also try a strobe light. The printing press guys use them all the time to slow stuff down and see what's going on.

 

[07Burb]

I did the tensioner pulley itself recently. I think I changed the complete tensioner itself over a yr ago--iirc. Think I'll try that again.

Just a few weeks ago I replaced both tensioners on my burb and it was worth it and may resolve your issue. I just did the full assemblies and not just the pulley. Figured might as well while I was there.