epbrown01

While driving recently I had my alternator light come on. Literally as I turned onto my street, I heard a high-pitched whirring and caught a whiff of burning rubber. I parked the car and checked under the hood, to discover my accessory belt was broken and sort of melty. Today, I replaced the belt and started up the car with the same effect. Checking again, there is a pulley that isn't turning and that appears to be why the belts are melting/breaking. It's one of the lower pulleys, on the passenger side, with a big 23mm or so nut in the middle. Is this the alternator pulley, and has it seized?

Emanuel

Danno

The passenger-side small belt is the power-steering. The alternator belt drives the alternator and AC-compressor.

Chris_924s

Most likely the AC compressor has seized.. It's the LOWER of the threesome. the AC clutch will eventually go and sieze, causing the belt to be thrown, or if the belt continues- it will begin to smoke and burn.

Been there done that. Time for a new AC Compressor or AC delete bracket.

EDIT, Re Read: Passenger side, PS pump has seized. You probably have manual steering now. Clip the belt and go without in an emergency.

Matt H

Note: If the AC clutch goes they can be replaced without the need for a new compressor.
__________________
Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote

epbrown01

My 944's an '83 and doesn't have power steering, I've got just one belt under there. If the AC compressor is the same side as the receiver/drier, then it's okay - that moves freely and came on when I started the car and ran it briefly without the belt. With the combination of battery light always on, the AC being okay, and the new symptom of the battery being dead, I'd say it's the alternator. Is all the wiring in back, towards the battery? I don't see anything but bolts up front by the fan...

Emanuel

Chris_924s

AC compressor is the bottom most pulley, Alt is almost directly on top of it (Looking from inside the hood facing the engine) Both are on the right hand side of the belt.

The pulley on the left center is the crank.

epbrown01

Uh-oh. Wait a second - if it's the crankshaft pulley that's siezed, how is the car starting? And how's it turning the belt for the alternator and AC?

Okay, I checked - now the car won't start, and looking more closely there appears to be oil leaking from the plastic casing behind the pulley. Not much - my oil level is still okay - but it's looking like I'll need to call in the pros.

Emanuel

Jakerx

sounds like you have a front seal leak...front seals aren't too bad to take care of...at least its not your rear main seal...

ERAU-944

aww, what's the matter ashton... confused? you don't know what a seal is?

that doesn't suprise me

Chris_924s

Get a second opinion.

Campeck

what are you talking about?
your going crazy man....I'tll be okay........

epbrown01

You're likely right. I got 4 hours sleep, it's around 90 degrees, I've been under the car all morning, and I'm too punchy. I'll get some shut-eye and look at it again in tomorrow morning, maybe take some pics. It's definitely the crankshaft pulley - I had a big "duh" moment when I looked at it again; it's running right into the sump, for Pete's sake. Too much time flat on my back upside down - I'm disoriented. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

Emanuel

Jakerx

haha you forgot the part about deleting your reply to my post ashton