Alternator question

On Oct 18, 9:13 pm, Ray <R... DeleteThis @ray.com> wrote:
> I have a 2000 Toyota Avalon.  It sometimes makes squealing on startup.
> I had the belt replaced.  Twice it has made loud squeals.  The
> alternator pulley is very hot.  .  I take the belt off and the
> alternator spins freely.  It runs for a while with no problem.  I
> called the local Toyota dealer.  They said the alternators are very
> reliable and is probably not the problem.  Two independent repair
> places say the same.  Can an alternator freeze up and free itself like
> that?  What do you think the problem is?

The pully heat should be from the alternator generating electricity,
if its hotter maybe a bearing is bad. I think belts can squeal if to
tight or loose, check tension, there is belt lube if tension is
correct.
 >> Stay informed about: Alternator question 

Unless your alternator bearing is seizing up, you should check the
belt tension (IIRC, 110-120 lbs). Slipping belt can mean it's probably
too loose (or alternator seizing up). This is precisely the reason why
the cheap jack-screw type tensioner stinks.

You can get an inexpensive tension gauge from the local NAPA parts
store:
http://www.gates.com/europe/brochure.cfm?brochure=2506&location_id=2977


On Oct 18, 7:13 pm, Ray <R... RemoveThis @ray.com> wrote:
> I have a 2000 Toyota Avalon.  It sometimes makes squealing on startup.
> I had the belt replaced.  Twice it has made loud squeals.  The
> alternator pulley is very hot.  .  I take the belt off and the
> alternator spins freely.  It runs for a while with no problem.  I
> called the local Toyota dealer.  They said the alternators are very
> reliable and is probably not the problem.  Two independent repair
> places say the same.  Can an alternator freeze up and free itself like
> that?  What do you think the problem is?
 >> Stay informed about: Alternator question 

Ray wrote:
> I have a 2000 Toyota Avalon. It sometimes makes squealing on startup.
> I had the belt replaced. Twice it has made loud squeals. The
> alternator pulley is very hot. . I take the belt off and the
> alternator spins freely. It runs for a while with no problem. I
> called the local Toyota dealer. They said the alternators are very
> reliable and is probably not the problem. Two independent repair
> places say the same. Can an alternator freeze up and free itself like
> that? What do you think the problem is?


One thing you might try: make sure that you don't have any
high-drain accessories (like the rear defogger, lights, seat heater if
any, etc) switched on when you start the engine. You should also make a
habit of turning those things off a few seconds before the engine, so
when you start the car the alternator is under less load.
 >> Stay informed about: Alternator question 

On Oct 18, 10:13 pm, Ray <R... RemoveThis @ray.com> wrote:
> I have a 2000 Toyota Avalon.  It sometimes makes squealing on startup.
> I had the belt replaced.  Twice it has made loud squeals.  The
> alternator pulley is very hot.  .  I take the belt off and the
> alternator spins freely.  It runs for a while with no problem.  I
> called the local Toyota dealer.  They said the alternators are very
> reliable and is probably not the problem.  Two independent repair
> places say the same.  Can an alternator freeze up and free itself like
> that?  What do you think the problem is?

I`ve had a problem like this on other vehicles and what it was ? in my
vehicles ? was a battery that wouldnt hold its charge anymore.

What happens is MAYBE / there is a dead cell in the battery or a weak
one which runs the battery down when parked .

On startup the alternator is fully loaded to recharge the weak battery
and therefore May/?MAKE THE BELTY SQUEAL BECAUSE OF THE HEAVY LOAD ON
THE ALTERNATOR.

I WOULD CHECK THE BATTERY AND SEE IF ANY CELLS ARE WEAK..
IF ITS THE ORIGINAL BATTERY ?

THAT WOULD BE MY BEST GUESS AT THIS POINT IN TIME.

If its the battery ? get it replaced ASAP as the constant full load on
the alternator could/will, burn a diode .

(Been there done that )

I apologise for the caps key got stuck.
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