Belt squealing

[Brian VT]

I have a belt that squeals only once in a while. More often when cold.
It only does it when I try to take off from being stopped or if I give throttle from a very slow coast (both from idle rpms).
It doesn't seem to matter if I'm turning the steering or not.
Which belt is most likely to be the culprit?

I know. Logic says to just change all the belts. But it's friggin' cold out and I'm old.

 

[Austin86250]

Well they probably just need tightened

 

[franklin2]

What type alternator do you have?

 

[Brian VT]

Dunno. What do I look for?

 

[Nero]

You'll have either the 1g or 3g alternator. Chances are it's the original.
As for squealing belt, it could be one of two things, either a slightly too loose belt, or a belt that's contaminated with some sort of fluid. From my experience, once coolant gets on a belt and soaks in, it won't ever stop squealing.

What you can do to identify which one is squealing, Rev up the engine at the injection pump, and hit each belt one at a time with soapy water. The soapy water will temporarily get it to stop squealing. Then you can either try tightening it, or replace it.

 

[franklin2]

Yes, if you do not know what alternator it's probably the original one.

Turn on your heaadlights, blower on high, see if that makes the squeal worse. If it does, it probably is the alternator belt. I would just get a new belt. Get a good quality Dayco or other name brand belt. They are worth it.

 

[Brian VT]

Turn on your heaadlights, blower on high, see if that makes the squeal worse. If it does, it probably is the alternator belt.

Good idea. Thanks.

 

[Old Goat]

You have an 87, so probably "V" Belts.
You will notice the Alternator belt will flop on one side like it will fly off.
Just the nature of it. You can not get it tight enough to not flop.

If I have to replace one belt, I do them all at the same time.
I use Gates Green Stripe.

As far as to the Alternator, if you have the Voltage regulator on the Passenger side Fender, then you have the G-1. If you do not have the Voltage Regulator on the Fender, you have the G-3 which the Regulator is incorporated inside the Alternator.

Iam old also, be 79 next week, not a big deal.
Ya just gotta do what ya gotta do.

Iam heading over to the Yearington, Nv. DMV to renew my Drivers lic in a few minutes. About a good 60 miles over there.
I`ll do your belts, and you do my Lic....hate going into those places...

Safety note:
Do not wear a Neck Tie, if the belts catch it, it will jerk you into the fast moving Belts and Fan Blade.
Also if you have long Hair and or a Pony Tail, keep it out of the way.

Edit:

Here are the Gates numbers on the Belts I use.
Alternator:
9570 Gates Green Stripe 13A1450

Vacuum Pump:
7320 Gates Green Stripe 10A0815

Power Steering:
9600 Gates Green Stripe 13A1525

I would post the AC belt #, but do not have a Belt on the AC

Goat