Alternator Belt trouble

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Drw

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Aug 14, 2011
1
Catalina 30MKIII Niceville
I have a 1995 c-30 Catalina with a Universal 25XP deisel engine. I am continually tighenten the alternator belt and finding belt residue in the engine compartment. It seems as if the belt runs to colse to the water pump assembly or the adjustment bracket bottoms out before proper tensioning. Is there a retro fit that I'm not aware of? thanks, Drw.
 

mortyd

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Dec 11, 2004
952
Catalina 30 easy living
when i first got my boat it took me some time and loss of belt material (sound familar?) to realize with a busted belt that the p.o. had used the wrong el cheapo belt on the alternator.
 
Jan 9, 2012
6
Catalina 30 MkIII St. Petersburg
Stu, You have helped solve one of the most infuriating problems I've had with my boat! I have a high output Balmar and after a night on the hook the load on the alternator is enought to make the belt slip and squeal. I have never bee able to get enough leverage to realy get the belt tight. I just ordered the tensioning tool from MSCdirect. Can't wait to try it...
 

Bob S

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Sep 27, 2007
1,805
Beneteau 393 New Bedford, MA
I've been having the same issues!

I removed my alternator to touch it up with paint. It's 2 years old and is showing signs of rust. I've decided to change over to a serpentine belt system. What I noticed after removing the water pump pulley is there is rust on the insides of the groove. If you can remove all three pulleys and spin them on a lathe with a fine Emery cloth to remove any oxidation and rust it will help a lot in reducing the dusting.

I agree with your statement that it seems like it's at the end of the adjustment and I have to constantly tighten mine. I do have the "Belt Tensioner" Stu recommended. It makes it much easier to tighten but doesn't stop it from loosening or stretching. I think a serpentine set up is the best but is quite expensive. I spoke with Westerbeke and was told that eventually they will convert over to a serpentine system moving forward but they won't be supplying a kit to convert older engines. I was looking for dimensions to fabricate my own.

Don't ya just love boating :)
 

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Bob S

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Sep 27, 2007
1,805
Beneteau 393 New Bedford, MA
Av8R
I believe so. The water pump and alternator pulleys should be no problem clearance wise but I had to remove the teak access door to pull the old water pump pulley off. It might need a little modifying to install the new one. I saw the Electromaax video and I like the idea of placing the crankshaft pulley over the existing one. I can tell you this, it would be a bear to replace the water pump when the time comes. I should know by early May. This is a good winter project.
 
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