ephewe

Ok so I figured out what the problem was. The adjuster bolt is actually seized in the pinch block. This is why I couldn’t lower the alternator enough. I ended up completely removing the lock bolt to get the alternator out, so I could get a look at it. Right now I have the car running with the alternator held in place only by the top mounting bolt being tight, hehe. I need to get a new pinch bolt, adjuster bolt, and pinch block, now…

Yeah I’ve checked out the videos. I wouldn’t post here without first checking that stuff, heh. 😛 There’s one in particular which shows a schematic and this is how I know that I’m doing the right thing (loosening the right bolts, etc.). The thing is, it seems like I can’t loosen the tensioner any more, and it needs to be looser. Tomorrow when I have some light, I’m gonna try and actually disconnect the various cables in the hopes of creating more clearance, then I’m gonna see if I can’t get the tensioner to loosen even more, because the last video I looked at seems as if it *should* get looser. This is the video btw, in case anyone ever wants to see. I think this is the best one available:

Hey guys. So I was just outside trying to replace my AC/Alternator belt. The old one shredded itself last night, barely made it home on battery power only. New belt came today. After doing some quick research I see what is involved in getting the alternator to pivot down, in order to give me enough slack to be able to slide the new belt on. Problem is, the alternator doesn't pivot down enough and there's really no way to get leverage to pry/force it on. I'm wondering if anyone has had this problem or am I missing something? As it stands, the alternator swings up and down about half an inch, just by using my hands to lift it up and down. I am pretty sure I have loosened the adjusting bolt as much as it will let me. If I keep loosening the adjuster screw will it eventually reach a limit and then break if forced further? Because that's what it feels like..? There is basically no clearance and I'm running out of daylight, but I did remove the skirt in the front to try and get a look at the alternator from the bottom, and I just can't really tell.

Typing this on my phone: So I borrowed one of those FIXD devices and used it, and the error that came up was for fuel air mixture sensor. A friend and I got under the car and we found the sensor near the cat literally just hanging down by the wire, not even plugged into the pipe. Apparently the tie down for that had rotted away and fallen off. So as a temporary measure I took some heavy duty steel wire and simply tied it down, in the proper position. As soon as I did this the car began purring like a kitten and I have noticed a significant increase in power. I did however also notice a few small holes in my exhaust line, which are going to need to be repaired. As for the loss of oil, I don’t know… Thanks for your advice, also.

Hi guys, So I have a 2001 rx300 with about 140,000 miles on it. Recently it has started running loud and after long drives, the VSC and Check Engine lights came on at the same time (I had detached the negative battery terminal to reset the computer twice, and both times the lights came back on after long drives in high heat). At one point last week I also noticed that the oil light was flashing when I would brake. Because of this, I checked the oil and it looked empty - like not even a drop on the dipstick. As a result, I put more oil in, but I had JUST changed the oil and filter only a few hundred miles before that. There does not appear to be any oil leak either. I can find no oil spots or leaks anywhere. Originally I thought, based on how the engine sounded (it also feels a little weak I think), that there must be an exhaust problem, but now I'm not so sure. I have seen previous posts regarding the VSC and Check engine lights, but they were not exactly as verbose as my problem, nor did they mention seemingly losing oil. So to summarize: 1. Car running loud, feels weak 2. VSC and Check Engine lights come on after 60-70 mile drives in high heat 3. looks to be slowly losing oil, and yet not leaking, and no blue smoke Just wondering what all you experts think...? Any help is greatly appreciated.