Hey, folks...a very elementary question from a not-very-mechanically-inclined Volvo-lover:


I have a 1979 245..the alternator is about six years old.
I killed a battery a couple months ago, and put a new
one in. Now, the new battery is dead.

I checked the belt and it seemed pretty loose to me. Questions:

1. Approximately how much tension should there be on the
alternator belt? I know it's tough to qualify it by
writing it, but the best way to say it is that the
belt easily goes in at least an inch when pressed on
from above. I would assume this is too loose and that it's
likely the cause of my problem.

2. Will I need to use a lift to get to the bolts to tighten it?

3. If I tighten the belt and the battery dies again, what should
I check next? Regulator, I assume? Also, my battery seat
is pretty rusty and the battery slides around pretty freely
in there. My son told me this can cause electrical shorts that
can even kill the alternator. True?

4. About how much can I expect to pay for a rebuilt alternator?
Is it worth buying one at a junkyard?


Sorry for the stupid questions. We all have our talents, and auto work,
unfortunately, is not one of mine...

mike