Didn’t make zero audible indication i really don’t get it, the alternator was the cause, but the alternator pulley has zero melted rubber, just every other pulley does. Makes no sense. I stayed in the house while it warmed up and noticed it was idling low for how cold it was outside. Then I smelt it
Please help. Melted drive belt onto pulleys
- Thread starter Shucks18
- Start date
thanks for posting the picture of one of the pulleys.. I agree with @Chris142 a pick and just take your time.. but amazing how it does look like it melted into the grooves in chunks!
how old was this drivebelt? time.mileage? and what brand?
Post some after cleanup pictures please!
The drivebelt was just under a year old, about 6k miles, and a Toyota oem bando branded. I don’t cheap out on parts or maintenance. This was a very high quality Toyota dealership serpentine belt made by bando. The bandos at the auto parts store looked cheaply made but interestingly the Toyota dealer OEM part looked really good, never seen a belt look the way it did you could just tell it was good. It’s true that oem Toyota parts are best and not the same as auto parts stores belts even if they are made by the same brand
Cleaned is going well. I accidentally scratched the fan/fan clutch pulley which is a smooth pulley. It’s small and u can barely feel it with your fingers, hopefully it doesn’t cause issues. Still not sure if I’m going to replace the alternator. I only use OEM Toyota Lexus parts, and it’s expensive for the alternator. I could save money and get a denso one, but I’m afraid it’s not the same quality as a denso oem Toyota one. My expierences is denso vs Toyota oem densos are not the same
Many here (including me) recommend finding a local reputable rebuilder, as opposed to replacing your alternator with an inferior mass-rebuilt one or a new poor-quality clone.
oh don't think that I was trying to say you used cheap parts. Was thinking maybe the drivebelt was old and used up. Doesn't look like that was it at all. And yes you're right the Toyota belt is different than the aftermarket Bando. looks like now you are getting it removed/cleaned which is great.. and that scratch on the smooth pulley, the backside of the belt rolls over that, I don't think that would cause any issues.
If you can find a good rebuilder for the alternator that would be awesome, but it's hard to find someone local, I've looked here and it's difficult.
Does anyone have a good rebuilder that you could ship the alternator to?? I think someone mentioned a couple of good ones around..
Yes if isn’t urgently needed back on the road this is the way to go.
Crazy how it got melted onto the pulleys. I would not like to deal with that mess. That would make me want Vee belts back. 
Haha ikr fking sucksCrazy how it got melted onto the pulleys. I would not like to deal with that mess. That would make me want Vee belts back.
I have always just used a 90-degree pick and turn each pully as I clean each groove. It can be time consuming, but it has to be done. I just watched an old South Main Auto video where he had to do the exact same thing on a Dodge van that came in with a seized alternator that melted and broke the belt. He also used the 90-degree pick. He did have to replace the idler pulley because it was plastic, and the belt actually melted the ribs of the pulley.
The cheat code is to buy PVC primer.
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