Auxiliary belt problem

simon hubbard · 4th December 2016, 06:14

Having changed the alternator, I now realise I have made an error. I think I may have lifted the engine too high and damaged or bent (what I think) is the thermostat housing, as the belt is now rubbing on the top rear pulley by the housing and has split. See the attached pictures. Does anyone have any ideas to offer? I need to gain a little more clearance to allow the belt to circulate freely. Thank you, feeling very deflated at the moment.

trikey · 4th December 2016, 08:10

The stat housing is part of the water pump, i would be surprised if that is damaged as its made of aluminium and quite strong, are you sure that is where it is catching?

simon hubbard · 4th December 2016, 09:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by trikey

The stat housing is part of the water pump, i would be surprised if that is damaged as its made of aluminium and quite strong, are you sure that is where it is catching?

I really can't think what else it could be. But thank you for the reply.

EastPete · 4th December 2016, 10:31

I seem to recall the clearance between the belt and the thermostat housing is quite tight, but with the belt fitted correctly and no play in the water pump pulley bearing, there should not be an issue. Are you sure the belt was not fitted 'one groove out' so that it could rub against the thermostat ?. I always use Contitech belts as well - these are slightly more flexible and quieter than some after market types. Check for play in the water pump pulley which could make the pulley run 'off centre', possible damaging the belt.

Pete

simon hubbard · 4th December 2016, 15:12

I have spent the afternoon working on the car. I don't think it was the clearance at the thermostat/water pump pulley part of it, I think it was the pulley on the alternator, it wasn't seated quite right. It seems okay now. Thank you for the replies.

klarzy · 4th December 2016, 15:21

I was going to ask if the belt path was correct?

4th December 2016, 08:10	#2
trikey Premium Trader Rover 75 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Devon Posts: 33,801 Thanks: 8,837 Thanked 14,831 Times in 8,030 Posts	The stat housing is part of the water pump, i would be surprised if that is damaged as its made of aluminium and quite strong, are you sure that is where it is catching? __________________ Lest we forget..

4th December 2016, 10:31	#4
EastPete Posted a thing or two Rover 75 CDTi Classic saloon, MGB GT, Skoda Yeti Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ramsey, Cambs Posts: 1,874 Thanks: 626 Thanked 635 Times in 430 Posts	I seem to recall the clearance between the belt and the thermostat housing is quite tight, but with the belt fitted correctly and no play in the water pump pulley bearing, there should not be an issue. Are you sure the belt was not fitted 'one groove out' so that it could rub against the thermostat ?. I always use Contitech belts as well - these are slightly more flexible and quieter than some after market types. Check for play in the water pump pulley which could make the pulley run 'off centre', possible damaging the belt. Pete Last edited by EastPete; 4th December 2016 at 10:32.. Reason: typo

4th December 2016, 15:12	#5
simon hubbard Avid contributor Rover Vitesse Coupe Join Date: May 2013 Location: Leicestershire Posts: 195 Thanks: 31 Thanked 11 Times in 11 Posts	I have spent the afternoon working on the car. I don't think it was the clearance at the thermostat/water pump pulley part of it, I think it was the pulley on the alternator, it wasn't seated quite right. It seems okay now. Thank you for the replies. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Kind regards Simon Rover Vitesse Coupe - 1997 Rover 75 CDTi Connoisseur SE Auto Tourer - 2002

4th December 2016, 15:21	#6
klarzy This is my second home none but not gone Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: March, Cambs Posts: 16,437 Thanks: 894 Thanked 4,247 Times in 3,025 Posts	I was going to ask if the belt path was correct? __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]….All praise Bananaswan….