I need help with my 85 535i alternator

[Austin96]

So i live in Louisiana and as some of yall know it just flooded really bad over here and i got lucky with my car and just got a little water but a couple of days ago i notcied when i turned my lights on they were really dim and over time they got super dark and my car died. I charged my battery and went to orlieys and they said my alt was bad but to also change my belts and tighten my alt because its really really loose and that the belts might not be tight and connect proprely. The problem is that the alts bolts are all tight and im not sure how to make it tighter, i have all the belts im about to put on so hopefully that makes it tighter but other than that has anyone righed something up on a 85 535i to make it tighter? Thanks in advance!

[Mark 88/M5 Houston]

It may just be the brushes mounted in the voltage regulator mounted on the back of the alternator are worn out. Does your alternator have rubber bushings in the mounting "ears"?

[Pauly Walnuts]

Check all if your fuses. Also, you can pull the alternator and have them test it at Autozone (or equivalent). Additionally, the alternator won't charge if the little battery light on the dash is burnt out, broken or unplugged, just something to keep it mind that got me stumped for a while.

[Mike W.]

It's probably the regulator, see this thread. http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=140382

As to the belt most places list a 12.5/13X1060, but most cars use a 12.5/13X1040. The larger belt will work when it's brand new and tightened to the limit. Any wear and it's too big.