We have a 2001 899cc Seicento, 58000 miles, which we have had for 2.5 years. I replaced the Brush/Regulator assembly about a year ago as the brushes had worn away and there was hardly any charge to the battery. The alternator currently (Pun intended ) gives a good charge when tested with a meter, 13.8 volts as it should be, but I cannot get the belt to stop squealing when the lights are on. If the heater and HRW are on as well the squeal is deafening! The tension to the belt seems fine, I tightened it again yesterday but it seemed to make things worse. The alternator seems to spin okay without a belt on so I think the bearings are okay. Belt was replaced at the same time as the regulator.
Where am I going wrong please?

Ian.

I'd be thinking bearings in the alternator, as it gets worse when the belt is tightened, thsi will increase the side loading in the bearings.

Without the side loading, ie when the belt is off, it will spin fine.

Cheers

PD

So you think it may be bearing noise rather than the belt slipping? Sounds like belt slip and can be reduced by easing off on the accelerator but never really goes completely when there is current drain.
Is it easy to replace the bearings. I have access to a puller.
Thanks for the help.
Ian.

Read this post to eliminate belt squeel https://www.fiatforum.com/cinquecento-seicento/175415-seicento-crankshaft-help.html

ask [dave or custard] there grumpy old men toothumband know alot ?

spedo said:

Read this post to eliminate belt squeel https://www.fiatforum.com/cinquecento-seicento/175415-seicento-crankshaft-help.html

Click to expand...

Thanks. I've read through that, I don't have any Redex to hand so may just try another new belt.

Ian.

Get the redex first, it still could be the alternator as rallycing has already highlighted. The redex will clean the pullies and the inside run of the belt and will give a definative answer or you may be giving yourself extra work, not good in this weather.

Keroscene or parraffin (for oldy worldy lamp), is the principal ingredient

Noel

Pep0 said:

parraffin (for oldy worldy lamp), Noel

Click to expand...

Boom , boom, boom, boom, Esso Blue.

I am old too

Cheers

PD

Hi PD

You are fortunate I cannot spell incorrigible...

Noel

There was pink white and blue if I remember correctly, a real blast from the past.

ditto

nostalgia

Noel

GrumpyOldMan said:

. The alternator currently (Pun intended )

Click to expand...

Lmao!

Sorry it's been ages since I originally posted this. Yesterday my son left the Seicento at home long enough for me to try the Redex cure. I dribbled a bit onto the belt as the engine idled. I must admit I wasn't hopeful but, blimey, it's flippin' stopped the squealing :slayer:. Halfords do a small one shot bottle of Redex for £1.29 so that's what I got and there's probably enough for half a dozen or more belts in there. So thanks very much to whoever it was that discovered that one . The car can be driven without us feeling embarrased all the time now.

Ian.

Your are feeling sleepy...

Use the redex in the fuel tank, per the recommended amount
Use the redex in the fuel tank, per the recommended amount
Use the redex in the fuel tank, per the recommended amount
Use the redex in the fuel tank, per the recommended amount

Noel

Pep0, i have to ask...are the overalls colour matched too? ;-)

Plus, have just tried this redex fix, can't tell if it worked yet, i think it helped but is not cold and damp yet.

Redex will only cure skwealing of a newish belt thats working on an alternator with its bearings in fine working order.

Cheers

SPD

yeah, the squeak dies with redex, but comes back within a few minutes. Plus, I poured it from the top and i think some went in the alternator 0_o, so not too certain the squeak was the belt. Will get new belt and properly clean the pulleys this time

Try the bearings again -- you're not feeling for end float, but for any general roughness. You could also try a engine stethescope.

What I have seen happen is that the alternator seems fine until its run for a few minutes then you see a very faint glow of the charging light as the worn bearings cause the brushes to bounce, not making perfect contact all the time.

Cheers

SPD