Hi There I have an 85 300TD wagon, its making a squeeling noise on the lower gears.
It seems to be the belts that go arround the alternator are looser than they Ideally should be. In the manual they mention a bolt to loosen on a pivot so you can tilt the alternator to apply or reduce tension on the belt.

I just tried doing this but I cant seem to get teh thing to budge even after loosening what is the only obvious bolt that would act as one to tighten or loosen the alternator. (I do hope Im looking at the right part- Its easiest accesible from underneath the car and on the left front side)

Ive even taken the bolt completely out and it still doesnt appear to want to move.
Im wondering if theres any other bolt or fixture I need to loosen or play around with in order to put more tension on the belot or move the alternator.

Or should I keep trying to oosen it up. Its not rusty at all and Ive tried hammering with a piece of wood both ways to try and move it to no avail.

Any tips would eb greatly appreciated.
Thanks Michael

On my 81 300SD it works this way. Unloosen a pivot bolt on the alternator and then there is another bolt that you screw or unscrew to adjust the tension. Then tighten the pivot bolt back. Maybe yours works the same way.

You loosen three bolts, two on top and one and the bottom. One of the top ones is the adjustment bolt, it has a long threaded rod sticking out of it, which goes into a really tall 13mm nut for adjusting. If you try to adjust without loosening the bolts, the adjustment rod will get bent up instead of moving the alternator (the alternator doesn't move on it's own).

Yes, you definitely need to loosen all three, it's easier to reach the top bolt if you remove the "U" shaped air inlet to the turbo. (OPs, it may not be the same on your '85, but you do need to loosen all three bolts)

The first picture on the right there is a long skinny nut. there is a small rod
going out the back end to the head of a large bolt

Look to the left of the bolt and you will see a nut. loosen that nut. 17mm

right above the nut there is the head of a large bolt, loosen that bolt. 17mm

the second picture you are looking at the bottom of the alternator.
loosen that bolt. 17mm

then the long skinny nut in the first picture is the adjuster. 13mm.

when finished, tighten all bolts.


CRAIG, where you been? haven`t seen you in a while. think last I saw you, you were installing that used engine and had some problems.
Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

the main reason most of our alternator belts are usually loose, it that they are not the correct belts...
the 9.5mm x 1035mm belts, are the wrong thickness.
(some use the x 1000mm belts, too...)
anyway, you need to go to an import parts source and get a MATCHED PAIR of 10MM x 1035/1000MM belts. the 9.5's are SAE 3/8" thick belts, and the ride too low, and wear out quickly under load.
warning, IT"S A %&()^(@#( to change all the belts out to get at the alt belts...

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Excellent. So I finally got around to getting under the car again and with the advice (and helpful pictures) I figured it out. No more squeeling!
Thanks again!!
Michael

Good to hear, it will be easier the next time now that you know all the tricks.

Charlie, I've just been really busy working/traveling. The replacement engine in my 300D finally worked out pretty well, but finding a good one turned into a real PITA.

Craig

Its good you are back up and running again.

Should have called metric, they had a real pretty one all shined up and waiting for you.

Good to see you back.

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works