5 replies to this topic

[sharkey86]

Hi, I got a 1988 Mini with 998 engine.

The fan belt snapped the other day so just got a new one.

I will admit I know almost nothing about how cars work! I've looked in Haynes and online and I've seen how I'm supposed to fit the new belt but I just can't do it!

I've seen to do it I need to adjust the alternator and I've loosened off one bolt (If you are looking at the car from the passenger side it is the bottom right one where the alternator is attached). In Haynes it looks like there is supposed to be one to its left but I can't see / feel one. Also the 2 at the top of the alternator must be loose enough to adjust as when I turn the nut, the one on the other end moves.

I've managed to get the fan belt around the other 2 things it needs to be, just not around the wheel where the alternator is.

It would be great if someone could show me how to do this with some pictures or explaining it a bit better than Haynes!

Thanks,

Andy

[icklemini]

Also the 2 at the top of the alternator must be loose enough to adjust as when I turn the nut, the one on the other end moves.

Yes you will need to counter hold the nut whilst you loosen the bolts.

You will probably have to loosen the adjustment bracket below the alternator to allow the alternator to 'swing' on the top two fittings, whilst the bottom fitting slides on the bracket...

[sharkey86]

Also the 2 at the top of the alternator must be loose enough to adjust as when I turn the nut, the one on the other end moves.

Yes you will need to counter hold the nut whilst you loosen the bolts.

You will probably have to loosen the adjustment bracket below the alternator to allow the alternator to 'swing' on the top two fittings, whilst the bottom fitting slides on the bracket...

Thanks. I've managed to loosen the bolts and it now swings. The only thing is, it seems to already be on the 'shortest' setting and I can't get the belt around it. I've got the belt around the other 2 parts and assumed as this is the part that adjusts it makes sense to do this last.

Is there something I'm missing?

Thanks,

Andy

[sharkey86]

Also the 2 at the top of the alternator must be loose enough to adjust as when I turn the nut, the one on the other end moves.

Yes you will need to counter hold the nut whilst you loosen the bolts.

You will probably have to loosen the adjustment bracket below the alternator to allow the alternator to 'swing' on the top two fittings, whilst the bottom fitting slides on the bracket...

Thanks. I've managed to loosen the bolts and it now swings. The only thing is, it seems to already be on the 'shortest' setting and I can't get the belt around it. I've got the belt around the other 2 parts and assumed as this is the part that adjusts it makes sense to do this last.

Is there something I'm missing?

Thanks,

Andy

Right, since I can't get any more movement out of the alternator I'm guessing I have too short a fan belt. I was told it should fit but they did have a longer one. The one I got has a code QBA838 on it. I'm guessing if I get a longer one I just move the alternator up?

Edited by sharkey86, 20 March 2011 - 10:55 AM.

[Native beats]

Also the 2 at the top of the alternator must be loose enough to adjust as when I turn the nut, the one on the other end moves.

Yes you will need to counter hold the nut whilst you loosen the bolts.

You will probably have to loosen the adjustment bracket below the alternator to allow the alternator to 'swing' on the top two fittings, whilst the bottom fitting slides on the bracket...

Thanks. I've managed to loosen the bolts and it now swings. The only thing is, it seems to already be on the 'shortest' setting and I can't get the belt around it. I've got the belt around the other 2 parts and assumed as this is the part that adjusts it makes sense to do this last.

Is there something I'm missing?

Thanks,

Andy

it's possible u might need to take the fan off. it's easier to put the belt on that way, though i'm assuming you must have the rad out?
its actually a very easy job taking the radiator and fan out but it is awkward. but if you do that then you can undo the pulley behind the fan put the belt over the alternator and the cam pulley, then put the fan pulley back in the middle and push it flat onto the water pump using the fan and bolt it back on. quite fiddly but easier to get the belt on, if it still doesn't fit then its defo too small.

if u dont have the rad out then its just 4 bolts on the sides of the radiator, one side near you and then opposite. undo all the hoses attached and lift out, then u can get to the fan bolts. its just like lego really undo stuff, remember where it went and put it back. just make sure things are done up properly etc etc.
when u bolt the fan back on make sure you tighten the bolts bit at a time and do opposite bolts to keep the tightness even all round, and the fan spinning straight.

hope that helps a bit




Right, since I can't get any more movement out of the alternator I'm guessing I have too short a fan belt. I was told it should fit but they did have a longer one. The one I got has a code QBA838 on it. I'm guessing if I get a longer one I just move the alternator up?

[lrostoke]

Sometimes new belts can be pretty tight to get over all the pulleys.

Try removing the alternator completely and then insert the alternator pulley at an angle, Once the belt is on then fasten the alternator into place and adjust.
It's worth disconnecting the battery if removing alternator like this, not a lot of room, and the terminals on the alternator will be perminent 12V ,saves shorting anything