Changing Pulleys

[Stratocaster5292]

If you dont want to read the whole story, I just want some guidance on how to change the pulleys on a beetle engine.


I bought a sand rail thats in pretty rough condition and recently for some reason the alternator isnt charging the battery. In addition to replacing the battery cables i want to replace the old pulley belt that turns the alternator. I got a new belt, the only problem is that i cant figure out how to take the old one off and put on the new one. Theres a bolt holding on the pulley to the alternator and when i try taking it off it just spins the pulleys. I was thinking of sticking a screwdriver in the alternator and holding it stilll while i took off the bolt, but I figured I would ask someone whose done it before before I break something.

[ridge_runner]

yup stick the screwdriver in there.. i do the same thing

[BoatCop]

There is a notch in the inner pulley specifically for inserting a screwdriver to hold it stable while you remove the pully nut.

Once you take the outer pulley off, you should notice a bunch of shims. Some are behind the pully nut and some are between the pully halves.

These shims are what adjusts the belt tension. The more shims between the pulley the looser it will be, the less shims, the tighter. It's a trial and error system until you get it right.

Begin with the same number of shims between the pulley you have now. Tighten up the pulley nut and check the tension. You may have to roll the engine over (by hand) to center the belt in the pulley. If it's too loose, remove a shim or 2 and try again. If it's too tight, add shims.

Keep this up until you have about 1/2 inch deflection in the belt.

The shims behind the nut are the "extras", in case you need to loosen the tension. If you need fewer shims between the pulleys than are already there, make sure to put them on the shaft behind the nut, so they will be there when/if you need them later.

[Stratocaster5292]

Thanks for your help guys, thats exactly the info I was looking for. I was originally gonna stick a screwdriver in there and turn the nut, but I didnt want to break anything. Thanks.