Fanbelt help needed!

[anonymous-user]

Hi,

Replacing my fanbelt and I've noticed that the water pump and pulley has two grooves the belt could go into. One runs closest to the block and the other one next to it.

Does anyone know which one the belt is supposed to go on?

Thanks!

[Jed-S]

Use the ones that are inline with the alternator. Use the correct grooves and the belt will be in a flat plane rather than going from one side to another. Don't trust the way someone else may have fitted it (ie. ignore the polished grooves) and fit it the way that seems correct.

Jed

[anonymous-user]

Well I managed to replace the fanbelt, had to remove the alternator to get it on but I fitted it and adjusted it as per the bible using the grooves on the pulley and pump closest to the block.

Started the car, no problems but after 30 seconds or so smoke started coming out through the manifolds underneath the alternator! Initially I though that the belt must be rubbing on something so I felt it to see if it was warm and it wasn't.

I can't see anywhere the smoke can be coming from, if it was from the water pump surely it would rise up from the middle of the engine block?

Incidently the bible states that a 2.8 Capri timing belt was used on the S1,S2 and S3. The belt I have fits ok but has teeth on it. Could this be an issue?

Thanks

[Jed-S]

Don't forget that the alternator has a fan on the front and blows air through it so the source of the smoke could be further foward. However as soon as you switch off the engine the smoking part should continue smoking long enough to allow you to trace the source.

[GreenV8S]

Take the fanbelt off again and check that the alternator and water pump both turn freely. It may be the original fanbelt failure was caused by some other problem. Also make sure you are tensioning the belt correctly - if it's slipping this will generate heat. Did you get oil on the exhaust while you were working there? It's easily done and will burn off within a few minutes of starting the engine.

[Barkychoc]

When you removed the alternator did you disconnect the big output cable ?

I don't know if it applies to the TVR alternator type but in the past I have destroyed an alternator by forgetting to reconnect the output cable before starting the engine, it burnt out the electronics.

Chris

[clarenceboddiger]

Barkychoc said:

When you removed the alternator did you disconnect the big output cable ?
Chris

And even if you did reconnect it, does it have a good, clean, tight connection?? Also check the cable isnt touching the manifold.

Edited by clarenceboddiger on Saturday 8th September 17:21

[jimed]

The fan belt can sometimes be quite close to one of the hoses that go to the swirl pot so check its not that rubbing that's the problem.
Jim