Black dust in the engine well

Do you ever notice black dust in the engine well or scattered round the engine compartment? If you do, it is more likely than not, due to extra wear on the drive belt connecting alternator to crank shaft. It may be that there may be misalignment, the belt may be rubbing against something or if belt tension is too loose, it may be slipping. Check the alignment with a straight edge; check the tension – the engine manual should give guidance as to how much slack there should be, and if needs be take up this slack. Has, at some stage, the wrong size belt been fitted? There is just the possibility that the belt may be too narrow for the grooves on the pulley wheels, it may be abrading on the grooves and the next item on the repair list is to fit a replacement belt. Well worth a check if you see signs of wear.