alternator belt tension?

[pro2amendment]

I replaced alternator this past weekend. All seems well. I tightened it with about a ~1/4" deflection on the belt. What is the rule of thumb for belt deflection for those of us without any special tool?

Reason I ask is that today I smelled something a little 'burning' and it got me wondering if I got it too tight.. I was at our property today which was wet and sloppy so it could just be some grass and crap on the exhaust..

 

[drbandkgb]

Is it squealing?

 

[pro2amendment]

No, everything seems fine other than I noticed a burning smell. Not sure if even related but got me worried I tightened it too much.

Is a squeal to tight or too loose?

 

[AbuseTheElderly]

Squeal is too loose. I think I may have tightened mine too much, I guess I'll know when the bearings go out.

Not worried though, I have a lifetime warranty Quest alternator. Ironically I couldn't get an Xterra alternator with a lifetime warranty.