Tightened alternator belt, new oil leak?

[xaero_81]

Last week I tightened my alternator belt because it was squealing when it rained. Now I seem to have an oil leak coming out of my front crank seal? Is it possible that over tightening the belt may have caused this? Before this it has never leaked.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

-Donny

[FB71]

didn't cause it, just exposed other issues; you main bearings are worn, and tightenting the belt pulls the crank off to one side, allowing oil past the seal. Proper fix; new main bearings and front and rear seals.

[blkfordsedan]

This isn't the correct fix, but...........
You may be able to reduce the leak by installing a new belt and loosening the belt back up. A new belt should not require as much tension, but it also depends on how wore the sheaves are. Just try to run as little tension as possible. May also help to install a new crank seal and/or a speedy sleeve. If you could find a larger diameter crank pulley that fits, it will reduce the required amount of tension as well. Maybe someone knows if a B8 sheave is bigger and fits? If the sheave is really worn, check the junk yards for one in better shape.
I would start with a new belt and only tighten it to the point that it won't slip/squeal. Then see what you have from there. This is treating the symptoms, but if your engine is that worn it may get you by for what life is left in it.

[xaero_81]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Today I am going to just try a new belt and crank seal. I'll see if I can find out how hard it is to replace main bearings and see if it is worth the effort or in my range of abilities. I have another engine in my parts car but it's sad to see such a young motor go(only 152k).

[blkfordsedan]

Depending on how bad the leak is, I would try the new belt first and see if you can run it loose enough to slow the leak down to a livable amount. The new seal will take more work and will eventually be chewed up by the crank snout anyway, it would just buy you a little more time. 152K is reasonable for a B3, but IMO, if the bearings are wore enough to cause this issue then the motor in general is getting tired. You'll need to pull the motor to fix it right anyway. I would rebuild the spare motor and then just do a swap when convenient. It all depends on the overall condition of both motors.

[big_ty2003]

Just had to replace the belt on mine My charge light came on en route to the gym. I popped the hood and no belt just black rubber dust on the alternator. The tension-er was adjusted all the way out so I am guessing it was the original belt on there.

[TominMO]

You could also try to slow the leak down with thicker oil.

[Pu241]

Just had to replace the belt on mine My charge light came on en route to the gym. I popped the hood and no belt just black rubber dust on the alternator. The tension-er was adjusted all the way out so I am guessing it was the original belt on there.

Good catch!
Because the ALT belt also turns the water pump.
In weather like this you'd have overheated and warped the head in short order!
Don't ask me how I know!

[xaero_81]

So this is what I have accomplished. I took off the belt and crank pulley, realized I don't have a strap wrench to hold the gear to take the bolt off, then put it all back together in frustration. Haha. I put the belt on looser (more loose?) and I will see how it holds. I am sort of in a rush because I am buying the XR2 on craigslist today and am suppose to be there by 3.

Here is the link:

http://toledo.craigslist.org/cto/1794211557.html

I also want this but the lady hasn't responded to a time to go get it.

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/1822238062.html

The new plan it to keep my current one my daily while I work on the B6T swap. The replacement is out of my aspire parts car which seems to be a strong motor with a leaky VC gasket. Well I've got a lot of work to do. I'll keep everyone posted.

Thanks,
Donny

[lessersivad]

You can't have the Grand Rapids one. Look what happened to the last one you had that was the same color...

[xaero_81]

You can't have the Grand Rapids one. Look what happened to the last one you had that was the same color...

Yeah but that one was too rusty for me. And Brad decided he wanted the trans out of it. He is very persuasive. Lol.

[FB71]

Good catch!
Because the ALT belt also turns the water pump.
In weather like this you'd have overheated and warped the head in short order!
Don't ask me how I know!
__________________
'93 Blue 5spd 230K(down for clutch and overall maintanence)
'93 White B6 swap thanks to Skeeters Keeper
'92 Aqua parts Car
'93 Turquoise 5spd 137K
'90 White LX Thanks to FB71

John, you don't mean the '90 White LX in your sig, do you ? :mrgreen:

[Pu241]

John, you don't mean the '90 White LX in your sig, do you ? :mrgreen:

Maybe!