Turk

Hey gang,

Have to put a alt strut into the car. Any tips on how to go about this. It looks straight forward, am I missing something? How does it help charge the battery anyways?

Thanks,

Vincent

Jon Moeller

If we're talking about the same alternator strut, it is used to tension the alternator belt. Very simple install: release tension on the old strut (if any remains), remove bolts at alternator and block, install the new strut, and tension the belt.

I would say that the strut doesn't help charge the battery, directly. It just maintains proper tension on the belt, so that the alternator pulley doesn't slip, and the alternator can produce full power.
-Jon

Turk

Thank you Jon,

I was wondering how that worked!

Jon Moeller

Really glad I could help. I know so little about these cars that I feel like I'm always the one with the questions. ;-)

-Jon

Turk

I tell you what, this place is a godsend for 951 owners, esp neophytes like myself.

Turk

Hey gang,

I put it on, but the bat is about dead? Perhaps its not tight enough?

Jon Moeller

Vincent,
Any idea of what the voltage coming off the alternator is? If the belt isn't slipping, you need to start chasing down the two components involved: the alternator, and the battery.

There's other guys that can give you much more info on these issues.

Good luck,
Jon

Turk

I put it up last night and the belt was turning, but I have no idea if it was turning enough or what. Must not be, since prior to taking the old strut off (cracked) there was no issue.

Peckster

If the old one was cracked I'd suspect it wasn't tight enough and the belt wa slipping. How did you notice it was cracked in the first place? There must have been some warning, or you wouldn't have notice it, right?

So, if it was loose for a while, that's your dead battery problem. It takes a while for a battery to recharge just from running the engine.

Turk

Oh ok cool, thanks Peckster.

I noticed since Collin had Blazing red tape wrapped around it. How long do you think it would take to recharge? I drove it around the other day, and it just didnt see to go up, now its almost all gone.

Chris Prack

It sounds to me like you need to have your battery charged (with a charger) and then tested along with the altenator.

FWIW, your altenator is not meant to charge a dead battery. You need to use a charger. You can get one at a local parts place like Autozone or PepBoys for less than $50. Attempting to recharge the battery with your altenator could smoke it since the voltage regulator is allowing it to run wide open for an extended period of time with no reserve.

Good luck.

Turk

Thanks Chris, Ile do that instead.

Turk

Thanks Chris, Ile do that instead.

User 41221

I have one you can borrow, if you'd like. Remind me to dig it out tomorrow when you come over.

Regards,

Turk

That would be a better idea Scott. Lets do that, Ile call at 10. Thanks.

Vincent