I have a 91' s-10 (4.3, 2W). About two weeks ago I put some belt dressing on the belt. It's been making a loud ticking noise that speeds up and slows down when I apply the gas and let go. It's espescially loud when I start it in the morning and goes away after it's warm.The noise is definately coming from the belt/ pulley area. Do you think the dressing caused a problem with the alternator or AC motor? pulleys? or riuned the belt, I did notice cracking on the edges on the belt. Everything seems normal just the noise has me thinking alternator is on it's way out. Is belt dressing a good idea? I heard good and bad things about it.

Furthermore, my battery guage doesn't work, do I have to take the dash apart to fix or replace it or can I get to it an easier way? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.