hey guys,

help me find the culprit. this is the 3rd Bosch alternator it has eaten in the last 13 months. the bearings are shot again. this time it is so bad that there is play on the alternator pulley if i pull it on any axis (x, y, and z).

my observations:
-the belt size and length are correct. it is a continental 21.36 x 2120.
- but even after the tensioner is 'unhooked', it is still very difficult (tight) to get the belt onto the pulleys. is this normal?
- however, when the tensioner is hooked back on, the tension seems fine. i can depress the topmost section of the belt about 1/2 inch with no problem.

the belt accessory parts for this car are expensive. spring, dampener, pulley tensioner.

clearly, something isn't right. it is unlikely to get 3 bad Bosch alternators in a row. please help if you can.

__________________
Jennifer
90 350sdl