Wobbly Alternator Belt - Cause?

[Markoriginalowner]

Ok, so I have a 1991 F350 7.3; it has v-belts. The alternator belt was wobbly so I decided to change them out this weekend when I did a coolant flush and radiator hose change.

Anyway, the alternator belt was still wobbly with the new belt and I got it nice and tight. It's bad enough to where I'm a bit concerned driving it as-is. What's odd is that the vacuum pump belt is on the alternator pulley too and it's fine; no wobble at all.

Any thoughts on why this is? I thought it might be a bit loose so I tightened it up a bit and the wobble was still there.

I have video but I'm not sure how to upload it here.

Scott

I’m the OG of a 91 7.3 and it’s wobbled since I bought it. Just replaced the alternator 2 years ago. Don’t get it too tight you’ll ruin the bearings on it

 

[bulletpruf]

I have a 92 E350 which I believe is a little different, however I will say as stated above that the GREEN GATES Heavy Duty belt is the only one that lasts. This design was poor. Option 2, Classic Diesel Designs sells an alternative belt that just goes from the waterpump to the alternator. This corrects the issue, you do lose a little redundancy though.

I ordered one of the CDD belts. Will see how that works. Thanks for the info.

 

[bulletpruf]

I installed the CDD belt yesterday. Still a slight wobble, but not as bad. I can live with it.

 

[Old Goat]

When you first posted this Thread, I checked mine and she was flopping around some. Cinched her up a bit, and still there as it has been the past 10 years.
I just keep the Hood shut and problem goes away...
Never lost the belt yet, and doesn`t seem to have any additional wear.


Goat

 

[bulletpruf]

When you first posted this Thread, I checked mine and she was flopping around some. Cinched her up a bit, and still there as it has been the past 10 years.
I just keep the Hood shut and problem goes away...
Never lost the belt yet, and doesn`t seem to have any additional wear.


Goat

Kind of like using a piece of electrical tape to cover up the dadgum flashing red low oil pressure warning light...