Alt, Belt squeal and other stuff

[1990Workhorse]

Several questions to ask: 1990 Accord DX Auto 2dr

1. Some belt squeals for about 1 second on startup. It will also squeal if I turn the wheels medium to hard over when getting out of the driveway. Goes away after she warms up. Tighten belts myself or get her looked at by my friend the Honda mechanic?

2. This car has just shy of 115,000 miles on it. We are driving her about 20-25 thousand miles per year. How long can I expect the alternator to live? What does one cost (parts and labor seperate)and what is the best method of fixing the problem when it occurs? Meaning getting a rebuilt, rebuild mine, OEM replacement or aftermarket?
Is mine the 80 Amp OEM? What is the advantage of getting one with more Amps to it (like 150 or so)?

3. When should the fuel filter have been replaced? Could this (if it was not done) cause some decrease in the fuel efficiency? I'm getting about 22mpg right now.

4. Rust. It's showing up under the paint on various corners and edges on the back of the car, wheel wells, by the tail lights, etc. I know she's 15 years old and all but it still looks bad and the worse it gets the more unwanted attention it can draw (wife, co-workers, police and so on). What are my options and what are the estimates for price?

Thank you all in advance for your help and opinions.

Sincerely,

Ross

[mpumas]

Belts squeal when loose, wet or excessively worn. If at 115 K you replaced the timing belts, and accessory belts as recommend by the manufacturer at 90K, the belts should not be worn. Tighten just a little bit. Tighten too much and you will take out the bearings on the alternator and steering pump. Sometimes a little loose is better then too tight..

Alternators should last at least 150K. Some times bearings go out earlier. But what usually takes out the alternator is the commutator brushes which just wear out. I recommend a good rebuilt at about $150 and about 2 hours of labor. No need to increase size if you have stock electrical equipment installed.

Fuel filters usually don’t cause a decrease in mileage. When they get clogged up with the brush dust and other stuff that gets into the gas tank, fuel just doen’t go througth the filter and the engine starves.. You should have replaced the filter at about 90K along with all the other stuff the manufacturer recommends.

As for any rust, treat it as soon as possible with a rust converter. Then prime and paint. If left untreated, it will spread like a wild fire then it’s panel replace time Body shops like to replace panels rather then treat rust because if it comes back, you will want them to redo it for free.