Is there anyone here that has experienced a timing belt failure due to their alternator conversion? Or does anyone know someone that did?
If so, what can you tell us about it?
Alternator blows out the timing belt
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Re: Alternator blows out the timing belt
Generally the alternator conversions run off the engine crank, NOT the camshaft. So no added load is put onto the timing belts. The timing belts are left completely unchanged.tylers883 wrote:Is there anyone here that has experienced a timing belt failure due to their alternator conversion? Or does anyone know someone that did?
If so, what can you tell us about it?
- tylers883
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Re: Alternator blows out the timing belt
That makes sense. But I was reading a post o the topic and the guy was adamant about the conversions being a risk for timing belt stress.
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Re: Alternator blows out the timing belt
Just did the conversion on my LTD. Only issue I found in my research into the alt mod was that some of the members here and on other forums had a high pitched whine that was reduced/eliminated by not having the alt belt too tight on the pulleys. No mention of timing belt issues.
There is always a risk of something happening, or a collateral issue happening when a mod is done. If anything, I'd surmise that there is additional stress on the crank and this can be minimized by using an alternator that is not too large (the bigger the alternator, the more power required to drive it), and tightening the alt belt too tight. The newer multi-groove belts have less slippage and do not require to be as tight as the older v-belts.
The good side of these mods is that there are a lot of examples out there with considerable miles/Kms and have been installed for many years. Mods are not for everyone, and that is a good thing. The best part of living where we do is that we have choice.
Cheers
There is always a risk of something happening, or a collateral issue happening when a mod is done. If anything, I'd surmise that there is additional stress on the crank and this can be minimized by using an alternator that is not too large (the bigger the alternator, the more power required to drive it), and tightening the alt belt too tight. The newer multi-groove belts have less slippage and do not require to be as tight as the older v-belts.
The good side of these mods is that there are a lot of examples out there with considerable miles/Kms and have been installed for many years. Mods are not for everyone, and that is a good thing. The best part of living where we do is that we have choice.
Cheers
"When you write the story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen"
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Re: Alternator blows out the timing belt
I would like to know where you read that post and who said it and what circumstances led him to make such a statementtylers883 wrote:That makes sense. But I was reading a post o the topic and the guy was adamant about the conversions being a risk for timing belt stress.

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Re: Alternator blows out the timing belt
I did the conversion 5-6 years ago and have had no problems with the belts.