explanation
Steve,I realize it probably sounds like a stupid question. I.e., maybe the answer is "sure: try a lockwasher". So part of the reason I asked was really to fish and see if anyone else had experienced this regular loosening up. The other reason is that sometimes there can be unforseen consequences with a high vibration part.For example: a long while ago, I replaced a timing belt on a car, and didn't use locktite on the bolt that holds the pulley on the end of the crankshaft. Of course, the bolt worked itself loose, causing the pulley to wobble and break off the bolt in the end of the crankshaft (on I-95 going 60 miles per hour). After getting towed home, I did manage to get the stub out (with an easy-out), but it wasn't easy.BTW: we also seem to get a lot of black dust (from the belt), but I've been assuming this is just the difference between a car (w/ lots of airflow to blow away the dust) and and enclosed boat engine compartment. Is this perfectly normal? The current belt looks fine, to my eyes.(And landsend, if "What's to loose?" meant to ask "what's too loose", rather than "what's to lose": too loose means just obviously too loose, going by feel, using an ordinary amout of car-repair-common-sense. Loose enough that I suspect I could turn the alternator pulley by hand a bit while the belt stayed put, maybe.)Thanks.