I re-installed my 97 accord SE alternator. All the bolts went back in but for the life of me I cannot get the alternator back tight to where the belt doesn't squeak. I've stopped short of using a rubber mallet but any feedback on how I should stand or hold my mouth just right is appreciated. lol

 

Are you able to turn the adjustment bolt to tighten/loosen the belt?

You must move two bolts and one nut to adjust; loosen the main pivot bolt, loosen the lock nut under alternator to free the adjustment bolt, and turn adjustment bolt to tighten/loosen the belt.

Either something is missing (adjustment bolt and lock nut) or you have not released the alternator to be able to move.

good luck

 

Ok so your advice was accurate, I didn't have the bolts loose enough. I had everything connected and the boots covering the appropriate connections. My wife's hands are smaller then mine and she was tightening the last bolt. I just so happened to be looking at the new battery and fuze box when I heard a pop and the left cable going to the 80A relay/fuse moved. I looked and sure enough it is blown as the cooper wire inside doesn't touch and its all black.

What on earth caused that? It is the original fuse and I did get a larger battery. It's CCA 0degrees F is 675. At 32 degrees F it is 850. Is this too much or did I do something else to cause this?

 

I verified there is no power going to the car now, no lights or anything.

 

She tightened the B+ wire to the alternator w/o removing the negtive battery terminal.

Only a tiny brief touch of wrench to ground blew the fuse. You would have noticed a long ground as wrench would have become very hot. It is possible you damaged the battery.

good luck

 

Well crap. I replaced the fuse reconnected the battery. The car started right up 3 times with no issues. Should I take the battery to get it tested? How would I know if anything is damaged? I bought a spared fuse in case it pops again. Hopefully the alternator and new starter were not damaged. Well find out tomorrow when I leave for work!

 

The fuse should have protected the battery. I would drive and see if any problems appear.

You can buy an Equus Battery Monitor for $16 at walmart that will show voltage which indicates battery health. A good battery should show about 12.2 volts after sitting overnight. If 11-11.6 volts, there may be damage.

good luck

 

I'll pick one up at walmart. Thank you for your help and have a good day.