Hey guys-

Sorry for the rookie question, but unfortunately I don't have the time I used to for tinkering around. I am replacing my alternator and I can't get the belt off. Is there an easy way to do this without taking the pulley off? I removed the bolts holding it in place, but it didn;t give me enough slack to slide the belt off.


Thanks,

Dan

 

The belt tensioner dude...

 

^ +1

Yea man, the alternator has a belt tensioner right on it... I'd say the rx7 alternator is one of the easiest alternators I've ever had to take off...

 

There are TWO adjustments for the belt. One is under the air-pump. Loosen it then back off the tensioner. Re-install in reverse order.

 

yeah, i took the tensioner off and bolt for the base to the block. No joy, tapped it down with a hammer as far as it will go. I'm gessing since the belt wraps around only the air pump, water pump and ecc shaft, I'm going to to either take the pully off or find some play with the air pump maybe?

 

Have you looked UNDER THE AIRPUMP? There is an adjustment for gross slack. IIRC, a 12mm bolt. Loosen it, push the airpump down. You do not have to remove the pulley and should not have had to remove the tensioner.
Page A-9 of the Factory Service Manual.

 

I had a little difficulty doing my alternator as well. I finally figured it out but definitely not what i would say one of the easiest to get off. Work on an old Small Block domestic engine. Way way easier.

 

All done. It I had to push in the air pump as much as I could (thanks for the tip) and remove the tensioner arm. This was already after removing the intake, and intercooler piping (i put in a vmount last year. Most aggrating part was I my replacement had a pull that was about 4mm bigger than stock. I had to go back to the store and swap the pulley with my core. This car has not mellowed with age and nothing I do goes to the manual. Thanks again for the help.

 

"One of the easiest" does not mean "the easiest". The statement itself implies that there are easier alternators to remove.

-Geoff