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andrewvnhr
User
Nov 21, 2012, 9:39 PM
Post #1 of 11
(2018 views)
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Hi all, I have a 1997 Hyundai elantra wagon, 1.8l 4 banger, 170k miles, posted about this before; since then I have replaced the engine, thermostat, radiator, and fuel pump. These are all working; I have a problem with the car starting and staying running. The car squeals almost non stop when running since I replaced the radiator and I thought it was just because it got wet, but it continued for over a week and then it died at a stop light, wouldn't restart. I got a jump, and got it home, but it won't start again. I could definitely hear the belt slipping. Is there a way to tighten the belt up as a temp fix until I can get in to a parts store and get a new belt and/or battery? Would this even potentially help? Any other suggestions would be awesome! Thanks, Andy
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 21, 2012, 10:08 PM
Post #2 of 11
(1991 views)
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If belt is beyond ability to adjust it and causing battery to go dead with slipping alternator you are mostly screwed till you have parts. If you can, charge battery with a charger fully and not stress out the alternator especially now. Plain jump + start isn't going to last for squat from what I see.
If you are stuck till a fix and need tricks at best sticky belt spray might work for a short while in a total jam and still fail at any time. If the belt is so worn and beyond adjustment you risk it coming off and more damage to things not even the up-front problem. Don't drive it at all if possible like this. This is possibly the worst possible time to need parts or get any help except a tow. AYOR with this car if you head out,
T
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andrewvnhr
User
Nov 21, 2012, 10:15 PM
Post #3 of 11
(1987 views)
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Ok, yeah, I am stuck cuz my other car is also in rough shape... Half disassembled. Are you by any chance familiar enough to instruct on how to tighten this belt or could you refer me to some online resource? This is of course dependant on whether or not the belt is in good enough shape, but I'll evaluate when I get home from work.
Thanks!
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andrewvnhr
User
Nov 21, 2012, 11:06 PM
Post #5 of 11
(1958 views)
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I didn't do the engine myself, and these are v-belts which i haven't yet had to deal with.
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Nov 21, 2012, 11:13 PM
Post #6 of 11
(1954 views)
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If that is the case.....It's pretty basic. The alt pivots..... Loosen the obvious bolts, there should be 2, maybe one in the back and pry the alternator until the belt is tight & retighten the bolts.
This model may have a bolt to tighten the altenator with so you don't have to pry it. It it does it will be mounted on the top botton sideways to the other 2.
you will see a the slotted bracket on the top that the alt will travel in....if the alt reachs the end of the slot & the belt is still, loose then there isn't anything you can do without new parts...
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andrewvnhr
User
Nov 21, 2012, 11:17 PM
Post #7 of 11
(1949 views)
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Thank you! I'm just really pinched for time/money/parts, so that's exactly what I needed! I'll check it out and follow up when I'm off work!
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andrewvnhr
User
Nov 22, 2012, 2:53 AM
Post #8 of 11
(1911 views)
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Thank you Tom and Sidom! The alternator was as loose as it could have been, and though the belt wasn't what I would call loose, the bolt that put tension on it was, so I'm thinking it may have loosened while running! Belt seems to be in good shape. Still need to get a charger/jump in the a.m. to test the fix, but I found the bolts easily and tightened it up just slightly, so I have high hopes! I'll let you know if it was fixed once I test it!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 22, 2012, 3:38 AM
Post #9 of 11
(1909 views)
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andrew - I know you are in trouble with this. Tried to search out some stuff on this. That V belt adjusting idea was a bit funky. Since engine was replaced the parts should cooperate for you to just adjust as when stuck or they break it's a mess. Just use your head and don't over-tighten anything (belt tension or fasteners) too much either. If a moment of time spray at least some WD-40 (if nothing stronger) on threads of adjustment parts - bolts and the threaded rod I'll try to show later in a long post to follow. Basic idea is like this for this type...........
You will need a decent but regular assortment of say combination wrenches and sockets and hopefully not much more.
Access is almost always an issue. Just tighten this up if you can such that you can't turn the alternator pulley by hand while locking and the support bolt are still just free but not too loose then again after all tightened up to make sure it didn't lose the adjustment where you left it. Check for deflection of the longest stretch between pulleys on a belt. No specs are going to help much so just not too much or too little.
If with A/C there are two belts I think. Chances are the other will not need to be messed with right now but make sure it is fair to go. If one fails the remaining belt whole or in peices can toss the other off or wreck something else, fan(s) radiator - who knows?
I wont try to find where your signal came from but it's Thanksgiving Day and new parts will be trouble. Seems this was quite late for "V" belt use, was available but may not be a stocked item. Do or get both done ASAP. Hey - Where I am day after Thanksgiving shops may not be available either.
Chain stores for parts will probably be your best bet. DO GET A BATTERY CHARGER/MAINTAINER as something almost everyone should have. Short bucks, slower for a charge up (many hours) but will shut itself off. Need power of course.
If jump starting only again with a donor vehicle use all cautions. It's becoming and is not the best thing to start a car with a low battery any more w some risk to either vehicle. Later on that.
If that is needed - leave both cars running while cable attached for a decent while. Say 15 minutes or more. You really want some charge in the low battery more than close to dead or alternators will get quite hot on both and can harm them.
Good luck. If this even comes close to use for a day or more be prepared to shut down and get towed. Not worth the troubles or disasters of a host of problems if belts are not working properly, -- T
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 22, 2012, 3:41 AM
Post #10 of 11
(1905 views)
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You posted before I was done digging for pics and info. Good luck. Belt was slipping so it probably is junk but could be OK for a while - T
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andrewvnhr
User
Nov 22, 2012, 12:55 PM
Post #11 of 11
(1866 views)
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Tom- I did have a chance to read your post before actually starting the vehicle, and double checked the bolts because of it. Really, really appreciate your help....happy to report the car is running fine, squealing is reduced by 90%, and it has started and run multiple times, and thanks to you I get to make it home for thanksgiving. You guys rock! Thanks a TON!
Andy
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