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What is the part on the left side of the engine compartment in my van?

Tiny
SKYMOTHA-DUCKINGWALKER
  • MEMBER
  • 1984 VOLKSWAGEN VAN
  • 200,000 MILES
It looks like an alternator and has a belt connected to it. In my van it is leaking some kind of black stuff that dried and is hard. When I try to crank my engine it makes this loud, whining sound. The van won't start, but it turns over just fine.
Friday, September 21st, 2012 AT 4:53 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Belt driven components can only be any of these :

1. Alternator.
2. A/C compressor.
3. Power steering pump.
4. Supercharger.

A picture would help identify it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

For non starting, check out the above link.
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Friday, September 21st, 2012 AT 5:41 AM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,883 POSTS
On your 1.9L boxer engine, when viewed from the rear, the alternator
is on the right side. The A/C compressor (if equipped) is on the left side.

The power steering (if equipped) is on the right side, below & to the
right of the Alternator.

The water pump is below the A/C compressor.

Can you post a picture?

Since your engine is cranking fine, your charging system must have
been working fine up until now. So you might just be dealing with
a "no spark" or "no fuel" issue.

I haven't seen an alternator leak black stuff, but I guess it could
happen. Protective coating that is inside, got hot & started to ooz out.

Thomas
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Friday, September 21st, 2012 AT 9:54 PM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,883 POSTS
Attached is an image of a 1.9L engine: Is the part you are wondering
about in this image?

If the Alternator belt is loose, you can tighten it by loosening three
13mm fittings and pivoting the alternator to the right to apply tension
to the belt.

Thomas
Image (Click to make bigger)
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Friday, September 21st, 2012 AT 10:08 PM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,883 POSTS
Is the van running yet? Can't help if you don't post updates. Cranks good but doesn't run.

Missing spark or fuel. Both can be checked easily.
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Wednesday, September 26th, 2012 AT 4:32 AM
Tiny
SKYMOTHA-DUCKINGWALKER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I figured out that it is the a/c compressor. Thanks for your help!
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Sunday, October 14th, 2012 AT 4:37 PM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
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Thanks for the update!

Thomas
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Sunday, October 14th, 2012 AT 6:02 PM

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