Fan belt shims...

I have a 1987 911 Carrera Coupe and I have a 24mm nut. No issues getting it off as I have the tool and a 24mm Wrench. However, I only find 4 Shims installed. Is the 24mm size an indication of an aftermarket Alternator that might require only 4 shims? Or do I need to make certain to use all 5? I had ordered new ones anyway to replace the old in case they were too worn

__________________
This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: Pelican Technical Article: 911 Fan Belt and Pulley Replacement

[Wayne 962]

Yes, you always need to use five. Whether there are four on the inside and one on the outside. This is a common misunderstanding and a cause for lots of engine failures when the fan belt slips off. Use a total of five all the time, but not necessarily all together (some on the inside, some on the outside). You need to move them from the inside to the outside and/or back to make the belt tighter or looser.

- Wayne

[KFC911]

Hmm...isn't it six shims total?

[timmy2]

Originally Posted by KC911

Hmm...isn't it six shims total?

+1 from what I've read.

[86 911 Targa]

It is six.

On our '86 I used two shims between the pulley halves, and four in the cup.

Good luck,

Gerry

[KFC911]

Wayne, are you messin' with us? How does a guest (Fonz) start a thread, and then you respond with an answer (that I assume took more than 1 minute to type) with the same timestamp....enquiring minds and all that

[fred cook]

Originally Posted by KC911

Wayne, are you messin' with us? How does a guest (Fonz) start a thread, and then you respond with an answer (that I assume took more than 1 minute to type) with the same timestamp....enquiring minds and all that

He who controls the server controls time!

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by KC911

Wayne, are you messin' with us?

Originally Posted by fred cook

He who controls the server controls time!

Methinks Wayne is up to something

[arbita1]

Not really. If you post a question on the technical pages it auto generates a new post here as a guest. Wayne probably gets an email and simply responds which gets posted here too. Read the bottom of the posters first thread.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by arbita1

Not really. If you post a question on the technical pages it auto generates a new post here as a guest. Wayne probably gets an email and simply responds which gets posted here too. Read the bottom of the posters first thread.

Like this one; http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-996-997-forum/645679-101-projects-your-porsche-996-a.html#post6440859

and another 10 between 0330 & 0400PM, make that about 20 between 0258 & 0400PM

Wayne has been busy

[dan88911]

By the way those shims are very thin. I change my belt for the first time earlier this year. I did not realize one dropped down into the belt shroud. I got a bit confuse after having read that six were needed. Sure enough looked around with the flashlight and spotted the one that fell , I guess when I took the pulley off.

[Dave Colangelo]

Something I find to be very helpful for this job is to use a bit of tape to hold the 3 or 4 outer shims together. I use masking tape and as little as I can, wrap 2 tiny pieces around the washers to make in a way 1 super washer if you must. I find this helps to get the washers to sit on the shaft the right way and also helps to keep them from falling.

Regards
Dave

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by arbita1

Not really. If you post a question on the technical pages it auto generates a new post here as a guest... .

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

Like this one; http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-996-997-forum/645679-101-projects-your-porsche-996-a.html#post6440859

I tried a test "comment" from Potsie on the tech article in the OP's post before I posted earlier, and that didn't generate a new thread here. An attempt to post a question prompted a logon...now how does that work? What really got my curiousity up was Wayne's answer. I'm no expert, but "six" shims has been common knowledge (from my perspective) for the ten years I've been on this board. I remember it well, 'cause my car had seven the first time I removed the alt and I posted a question many years ago inquiring about it

How many alternator pulley shims on a G50?

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by KC911

Wayne, are you messin' with us? How does a guest (Fonz) start a thread, and then you respond with an answer (that I assume took more than 1 minute to type) with the same timestamp....enquiring minds and all that

Even Wayne 101 Project #3 says 6 shis (start with 5 inside and 1 outside).

Maybe, just maybe a malcontent HAL90000 took over the database and is generating the answer