Better pully options for 3G Alternator

ljspop · Jun 16, 2010

Short of going full blown exploder serpentine, are there bigger pulley options to help keep a 3g alternator from squealing? I have the belt probably too tight now and it squeals at start-up pretty consistently.

Any one have a bigger v-belt solution? Or something that doesn't require replacing the timing chain cover forward? That doesn't cost a stinkload of cash? Asking a lot I know, but just wondering if the collective knowledge here can save me some $ and time.

Thanks,

Bob

Explorer · Jun 16, 2010

Just changed mine for the same reason. But I already knew the pulley was too narrow for the belt. Make sure it's seating in the pulley like the rest of your pulley's.

robofig · Jun 16, 2010

You could give these guys a try www.qualitypowerauto.com .

They are in my home town and are a great shop.

They rebuilt my explorer alternator took it from 130w to 150w for 45 bucks.

Broncobowsher · Jun 16, 2010

With the right mix of parts you could probably run a double V-belt setup. I remember our '67 mustang had that.

The problem is a 3G makes so much power. Well to make that power it takes it from the belt. A single belt can only transmit so much power. The 3G is known for being right at (usually more of slightly over) the limit.

To get a single V-belt to grab the pulley a little better it needs more surface area. Generally this means a larger pulley. Now a larger pulley also has the benifit of more leverage on the alternator shaft. Down side is alternators are very sensitive to speed on the low end. Just a few RPM can be the difference between charging at idle and not charging at idle. The larger pulley that has more surface area and better leverage may not spin fast enough to charge.

dbevans2249 · Jun 16, 2010

I put a pulley that is a little over 3" on mine and it seems to work great. It puts out plenty at idle and did not squeel when I fired it up. Look on Ebay, Summit etc to find one you like.

JohnJohn · Jun 16, 2010

I had the same problem and put a Top Cog belt on it has the bumps on the outside of the belt and it fixed my problem.
It was suposed to be the best type of v belt they sold. It may be worth a try.
Also make sure your pully clear of the alt body.
I had to put a washer on the back side to get my v belt pully to clear after I pulled the serp pully off.

Smokeater11 · Jun 16, 2010

I vote for a good quality belt as well. I have the 3G and it would squeal at start up every time until I switched to a Gatorback belt and the squeal went away.

ljspop · Jun 17, 2010

thanks guys. I'll try a better belt first before i try pulley swapping. dual belts sounds interesting, but with PS I think there would be a need to change bracketry.

backpain · Jun 17, 2010

ljspop said:
thanks guys. I'll try a better belt first before i try pulley swapping. dual belts sounds interesting, but with PS I think there would be a need to change bracketry.

Assuming mostly stock configuration: You can find acceptable dual PS and dual and triple crank pulleys if you wanted to get inventive with a multi-V-belt setup. Also, the PS pump pulley can be made to work if your system can handle the slower RPM/lower output. May require trimming a sleeve or bending a bracket to get the offset lined up appropriately, but definitely can be made to work.

Better pully options for 3G Alternator

ljspop

Jr. Member

Explorer

Bronco Guru

robofig

Sr. Member

Broncobowsher

Total hack

dbevans2249

Sr. Member

JohnJohn

Bronco Guru

Smokeater11

Bronco Guru

ljspop

Jr. Member

backpain

Bronco Guru

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