*WARNING * NEWBIE ALERT*

My 91 FB starts fine initially, but if I turn it off and turn it back on, it's harder to start. Every time I start it up after that, it gets harder and takes longer to start. It starts to bog down really bad and I start to hear clicking sounds like a dead battery. But let it sit for a while and it's back to square one.

I took a peek at the alternator while the car was running and I saw that the belt drive gear on the alternator was alternately starting and stopping turning. The starter is brand new refurbished. The battery is also brand new.

Does this mean the belt is loose? The belt drive wheel should be turning all the time right???

Cheers Tom

 

Tightnen the belt, if its slipping then it won't charge your battery right. also check all connections to your terminals and alternator. if it keeps messing up, take the alternator in to a local parts store (napa, checker auto, etc) and they should be able to test it and see if its the alternator (if its...A...dead...B...not running like its suppose to...or C....working fine). But i would first just tighten the belt, if it is slipping, it should cure your problem.

 

'91 has a self-adjusting serpentine system.

Were you watching this in sunlight, or with a drop light, in a garage, etc.?

 

Yup. 91's are self-tensioning spring tensioned.
Bring the alternator into a store as 10second said and have them test it. See how it feels when you free sping the alternator pulley by hand as well. If it feels tight then it's messed up.

 

buh bye alternator bearings, the serpentine system should be the first clue, i had that happen to me after i bought an alternator from checker and the bearings went out like a week later, no wonder they give you the ridiculously long warranty periods eh?>