i need help if you can help

[pontiacowner1987]

hi my name is josh and i just recently bought my 1986 pontiac grand prix v8 5.0L. my alternator went bad when my fiance was driving home from visiting her family. she was about 20 miles away when the alternator gave out completly. i went to autozone and got a new atlternator and installed itput everything back on the way it should have been. but now that i changed the alternator when i start up the car it squeaks for about 3-4 minutes and then stops. i will start driving when it is warmed up and go where it is i wanna go. i will turn on the heater (since it is ranging from -25 wind chill)and when i stop or take my foot off the accelerater the car starts to squeak loudly. i dont know if it is the alternator or its the belt. if ne1 can help me please email me at tealdragon11@yahoo.com. it would b greatly appreciated. o and i got this car at a steal. $800 is all i payed and other than the alternator the car runs amazing. all i need to do is get a paint job and its perfect. (and the cigaret lighter and then everything will work)

[03GTX]

It sounds like when you changed the alternator you set the tension too tight on the belt. Try loosening it off just a bit and see what happens.

[SyntheticShield]

Moved to the correct area.

[Blown97]

It sounds like when you changed the alternator you set the tension too tight on the belt.

^Could be true but answer is not complete!!

A belt that squeaks could be a sign of 2 things.

1. Belt is loose...not too tight! However, a belt that is too tight will wear quicker causing the belt to become loose and could/will cause these symptoms over a period of time. Usually not right away, unless the belt is already worn.

2. Belt is worn. If the belt looks to have a real shiny or glazed contact surface replace the belt. This shiny/glazed surface makes it relatively easy for the belt to slip. Another sign that the belt is worn is belt material missing or belt is cracked. If you see this, replace the belt.




EDIT: Apparently, belt tension diagrams are a secret....I can't find one anywhere. So refer to your repair manual for the correct procedures on how to properly adjust belt tension, I'm sure there is one in there.

[rfmgtp02]

belt tension adjustment is within the alternator bracket. V-belt FTL