I was thinking about it due to the dust I am getting from the current belt..... Not a ton but I do have what I believe to be excess wear.
Balmar reckons that serpentine belts will become beneficial at about 125 amps. I think it pays off at about 100 amps. So (theoretically) you should have no problem driving your 70 amp with near -0- dusting.
Here are some ideas in no particular order:
If you are externally regulated with the MC 614 (or 612) or ARS5 regulators you can reduce belt wear by changing the belt manager feature.
Make sure the belts fit the drive sheaves. Use a 1/2 inch top width belt. Also, since your belt drives the circulation pump try a "Top Cog" belt. Three sheaves means the belt wrap contact area on each sheave is pretty reduced. The more flexible top cog type belt will help. You can also obtain a larger diameter drive sheave for the alternator thus increasing belt contact area.
Double check that all three drive sheaves are in the same plane. Make adjustments if they are not. Very common to see sheave misalignment with fresh water cooled motor and after market bracket/alternators.
Double check the sheave contact surfaces are smooooth on all three sheaves. If not use sand paper a file or whatever to assure there are no anomalies anywhere the belt meets the sheave - no rust no nicks.
Tension the belts right. Typically belts are too loose. There are adjusters that push the sheaves apart. You set belt tension (deflection) then remove. They work spectacularly well on Yanmar motors.
There is no reason you cannot obtain very acceptable results without a serpentine conversion with 70 amp alternator.
Charles
