So my car has been acting up and I found out why. The alternator bolt that keeps tension on the belt is gone. I temporarily wedged a large nut between the alternator and block to keep tension, but that probably wont even last a day or two.

Can anyone give me a name or part number for whatever the hell that thing is? I'm kinda hoping someone here had to replace one at some point and knows what I'm talking about. I know there was like a little block and bolt that I would tighten, but when I reached back there tonight its all missing.

 

I went to the friggen dealer and they just pulled it all up on the microfiche. It was like $10 for the damn bolt though. I think this is common, it's happened to me twice.

 

+1 for losing that damn bolt, lost it 3 hours away from home but managed to make it home fine.

 

Lost one once after doing a bunch of motor work and just got one from ACE. Few bucks. Think I bought 2 just for an extra in the bin. Wish I could remember the thread on it

 

I have a nut and bolt on mine that requires the use of a pry-bar. lol

 

Ever since I've owner the car I'd have to tighten the bolt from time to time, but I guess as of lately I've neglected to check it.

I'm not sure if I'm missing just the bolt though. I remember there being a little metal block that the bolt went into and I don't recall seeing it last night.

I need to get it fixed today though. Either that or go buy a car. lol

Also, I'm wondering if this is what was causing me to overheat, seeing that this is the water pump belt as well.

 

It could very well causing you to overheat.

 

I hope so. That would not only explain a lot, but it would also ease the drive to and from the shop a lot.

I posted this on m.net as well in hopes that someone might have a direct answer and from what I understand, the tension bolt is only needed to pull tension, not keep it tight. I'll have to clarify on that before I assume I'm in the clear, but at least I feel a little better about the situation now. Seeing that I obviously didnt get it fixed today. **** I didnt even leave the house today. lol

 

Well I ordered all new parts from the local dealership to fix this issue and for everything (long bolts, nuts, block, belt) it came to just over $60. The parts had to be ordered but they're in now just waiting for me to go pick them up.

In the meantime I tightened up the lower alternator bolt which was just about on it's way out and snugged the top locking bolt as well. All seems well now. Car is running normal again and isn't overheating anymore.

 

This also happened to me recently. After getting another stock setup, I promised myself I'd build something like JayL did here, but never got around to it...

 

Order your bolts and such from Finish Line Performance. They will be a shitton cheaper there.

 

From what I'm gather this is a common problem. I was driving down the down heard heard something weird going on under the car and knew from past experience popping the belt that something wasn't right. I pulled over to see coolant coolant overflowing and the belt on the alternator not spinning as fast as it should. Me already otw home and being in fear that if this was anything like the belt if I turned off the car off I would most likely not be starting it. With that being said it get back in the car to the temp gauge hottt and on top of the anytime I stopped the battery light would come on. Should I be nervous for the engine. I've started it since then haven't heard anything usual but I did notice and was surprised the temp gauge was leaning more towards the cool side then in middle where it usually stands or not hot where it just was.

 

Well I guess now we know why they call you putz...

 

This thread was 9 years old putz..

 

Basically all you gotta do is just ******* send it.

 

Just go to a wrecker and grab the weird adjuster block thing from basically any 4cyl B6/BP Mazda

It'll cost you all of $1, assuming they dont just give it to you for free.