Alternator Belt Producing Excessive Black Dust

[montenido]

Great info, thanks folks.

Cheers, Bill


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[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

This I believe is the best long term solution, if you want to keep 100 amps output on your alt. If your OK having less alt output turning it down will also fix the issue, but then why have a 100 amp alt?

+1. 100 A is pushing the envelope for a single belt. Go with the serpentine.

At least some of the Balmar regulators Ive seen have a "belt adjustment" parameter that lets you tweak the loading down.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by utyak

2010 Island Packet Estero (36.5'), with Yanmar 3JH4 E engine and factory installed Balmar 100 amp alternator. Alternator belt is producing significant amounts of black dust. Have had the belt re-tensioned then re-aligned with new mounting hardware by a diesel mechanic with a good reputation, under warranty. Still getting lots of black dust. I've been in touch with IP, the Yanmar distributor and Balmar trying to resolve this. The Balmar rep said the 1/2" V belt used in the installation was at it's maximum power transmission capability with the 100 amp alternator, and thought from the information I was giving him, it might be a problem with the alternator belt slipping, as a result of the alternator bracket slipping.

Anyone else out there with a similar set up seen this problem?

Thinking about trying the kit Balmar/Altmount sells with a wider, ribbed serpentine belt.

I don't see any mention of trying a new belt.

[dlymn]

Assuming that your pulleys are well aligned, and you don't want to put larger cross section pulleys on the alternator and crank, you might try one of these:
Transmission & V-Belts | V-Belt, Adjustable | Browning Premium Griptwist® Belts - GlobalIndustrial.com

The manufacturers claim that they transmit greater horsepower (I don't know). One benefit might be that if you carry a spare belt, it can be adjusted to suit any requirement. They are available on amazon.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by dlymn

...

The manufacturers claim that they transmit greater horsepower (I don't know). One benefit might be that if you carry a spare belt, it can be adjusted to suit any requirement. They are available on amazon.

Greater than any other twist link belt (not vs a conventional belt).

Ive had a product like this aboard as an emergency spare for years. Ive never used it because its cheap to carry a bunch of spare belts and new ones are universally available.

As posted already, there is a big qualitative difference between brands. Here in Central America Ive bought off brand belts which proved to be junk...maybe fine for a standard automotive app, but not built to take the load of a larger alternator.

[Boatyarddog]

Also make sure the pulleys are not rusty, or misaligned.


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[Rustic Charm]

Excuse me guys for piggy backing in this thread with a deviation. Though the black mess has been interesting. I've had the same problem and covered by electric with a vinyl cover because of it.

The alternator has a positive side and a negative side. And mine also has AC arrows as well. I want to check the wiring on mine. Am I correct in thinking the main cable to the battery's is connected to the positive, not the AC though?

Also, what are the AC's indicating?

I've inckided a picture.

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by Rustic Charm

Excuse me guys for piggy backing in this thread with a deviation. Though the black mess has been interesting. I've had the same problem and covered by electric with a vinyl cover because of it.

The alternator has a positive side and a negative side. And mine also has AC arrows as well. I want to check the wiring on mine. Am I correct in thinking the main cable to the battery's is connected to the positive, not the AC though?

Also, what are the AC's indicating?

I've inckided a picture.

"AC" is your stator tap or AC Tap for driving a tach. On that alt either one of the AC Tap's can be used for the tach. All this does is tap into the AC side of the alt before it is rectified to DC.. Stator taps are sometimes called "S", "N", "AC Tap", "Stator" or "Stator Tap"...

The small set screw on that regulator adjusts your voltage limit.

[Rustic Charm]

Originally Posted by Maine Sail

"AC" is your stator tap or AC Tap for driving a tach. On that alt either one of the AC Tap's can be used for the tach. All this does is tap into the AC side of the alt before it is rectified to DC.. Stator taps are sometimes called "S", "N", "AC Tap", "Stator" or "Stator Tap"...

The small set screw on that regulator adjusts your voltage limit.

Thanks Main Sail, I appreciate it.