Reply With QuoteThe tensioners pinch the belt, so that the outside of the belt runs on the tensioners, not the inside. If you've put the belt over the top of the upper tensioner, it will work but the alternator may slip.
Grand Master
Charging light dimly lit
I noticed after fixing my water pump and thermostat. That the charging light was dimly lit on start up and on most trips would completely go out. after a decent drive yesterday, it was more noticeable when i was pulling into my garage. I've been reading bentley and this can mean a number of things from not having water in your battery, alternator problem, regulator problem and a belt problem. Now I don't remember exactly how the m50 belt goes on the engine but i had to refit it to do the water pump. I am worried i may have put it on wrong. does anyone have a decent diagram of how it goes on so that i can eliminate the possibility of a belt problem.
Germans: Why can't they make everything?
Major Contributor
The tensioners pinch the belt, so that the outside of the belt runs on the tensioners, not the inside. If you've put the belt over the top of the upper tensioner, it will work but the alternator may slip.
1997 535i V8
5spd, OBC, A/C, cruise, BMW phone, factory M-Tech wheel & suspension, 18" Alpinas
Grand Master
thanks dave, i'll have to check it out when i get home. will sketch a diagram if i am unsure.Originally Posted by DaveVoorhis
Germans: Why can't they make everything?
Grand Master
Just did a check with the multimeter.
14.1 V at idle with no accessories
14.0X V at idle with headlights, fog lights, hazards, fan on.
no charging light either this time. I found a hole in my cooling duct for the altenator. Since this problem seems mainly to manifest itself after a decent drive on the highway i figured to patch up the hole since the problem might be heat related. any ideas? I also did a static current draw test. apart from these tests are there any tests i can perform apart from pulling the altenator out?
oh and i checked the belt using a diagram from that BMW service manual that the dude posted up on the M5 boards. seems to be on the right way.
Germans: Why can't they make everything?
Grand Master
bump
Germans: Why can't they make everything?
Big Time Poster
Well it all sounds good
you've done all the tests that I would run, the next step I would carry out would be to pull the altenator and get it checked out at an Auto Electical place. They can bench run it and diagnose if it is brushes or the diodes.
My suspicion lies with the brushes if the charge light glows though.
Cheers!
BnZ
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