Checking Alternator Belt?

[leeds2592]

Hi All,

Just a quick question.

Going to look at a 182 at the weekend and looking at the past MOT history, in 2012 and 2013 an advisory was noted under 'Alternator belt perished+ crack.' However this wasn't apparent on the 2014 MOT. Now the owner says he will lower price as belts need doing and they will be booked in ASAP if I buy the car. My only worry is that it hasn't been sorted and don't want anything going wrong on the 2 hour drive home.

Is there anyway to visually check it at all? Sorry if it's a daft question.

Thanks

 

[Martin.]

Yeah just stick your head in and have a look, it's in a tight spot, but quite visible.

Check for obvious cracks and the condition of the belt. Also try and get your hand in there and check there is no slack in it.

It would be wise to check the documents on the car, to see how long ago it was last done. If it's seriously well over due then you might have to re think it, but I'm sure it will be fine if it looks and feels ok. Assuming you aren't driving too far?

That's all obviously at your own risk, no one can be sure of how long it would last if it was over due.

 

[leeds2592]

Where abouts is it, on the left hand side as you're stood looking at it?

As I say, if the rest of the car is as stated in the advert, I'm going to get it and get all belts, dephaser pulley, water pump etc done anyway.

 

[Martin.]

That's right mate yeah.

Although yours might look like a slightly different setup, as mine has an air con delete kit on it.

 

[Budgie]

On a 182, it's the only belt you can see...

Front left of the engine bay.

 

[leeds2592]

Cheers for the help lads, exactly what I was after!