Alternator, Beta BZ482

[Haven't-a-Clue]

Flippin' typical, I finally get her indoors to come down to the boat and what happens? 3 minutes after staring up, lines ready to cast off, alarm on panel goes off. Not water, not oil. Green power light stays on, BUT alarm goes silent as soon as revs are about 1000. Reduce to tickover and about 20 secs later alarm sounds and looking at the voltmeter, the voltage varies between 12.8v and 14.1v over an 8-10 second cycle. Rev up to over 1100 and reading stays firmly at 14v. The donk hasn't been run for 3 weeks or so but was fine last time out.

I haven't a clue (see what I did there!) why this is happening, I suspect dirty slip rings or summat..........or am I looking at a new reg or (gulp) alternator.

Suggestions please.

Signed Desperately worried of Universal-on-the-Hamble.

 

[Barry Jones]

Sounds like a bad connection/corrosion or damp between the alternator and the control panel. You would need to put a digital volt meter on the alternator output to see if the voltage is wavering like the meter on the control panel ??

Check for play on the belt as well. Might need tightening.

 

[Haven't-a-Clue]

Wow, quick reply, thanks, I have checked the belt tension, about 3/4 inch play on longest (11inch) run, no flippin' test meter on board. I wonder if the voltage should vary whatever the engine speed as opposed to the scenario currently (sorry!) playing out.

 

[Barry Jones]

If the light didn't come on before, why should it now.

Try tightening the belt a little - play should be about 1/2" in old money. Is there any black dust on the pulley area ??

 

[Haven't-a-Clue]

Oh yes, there's dust ok....always has been, now that I think about it, no matter how tight I dared to do the belt up. Right, will tighten up anyway and get back. Ta everso.

 

[VicS]

1/2" movement of the belt with firm thumb pressure is correct.
If belt is worn ( black dust!) you should consider replacing it soon

See the owners manual !

Down load from Beta's site if you have mislaid yours.

Cant give you a link as I am reading the copy saved on my computer .. not reading on line.

 

[Haven't-a-Clue]

Cheers Vic, yup, got a manual, looks like I'm gonna get a new belt anyway, cos there's hardly any adjustment left, so I guess it's a bit worn. Let's hope that's all it is.....

 

[alexrunic]

The beta's are well know for the drive belt wearing at an alarming rate, i know 4 people with them including my self and we all have the same problem.

 

[Haven't-a-Clue]

OK, belt tightened as per, problem solved (?) I think...well, the alarm didn't come on and the voltage went straight to 14 and stayed steady. Phew! I dread to think what a replacement alt would cost...marine, you say, oh well, x3 plus vat, ta very much, ok lads, book yer 'oliday now.

 

[Barry Jones]

Glad it was resolved. Now buy a new belt as a spare (because it will probably go again if its so worn).

 

[pappaecho]

Classic alternator belt problem, which you have solved with a spanner - well done! Beta and Nanni engines are based on Kubota engines, so you can buy any of the engine spares from a Kubota stockist, which tend either to be agricultrual, or small plant hirer

 

[G12]

New alternators are about £150. I bought one last year. Same engine.

 

[NickNap]

I have same engine and can can recommend the Beta replacement belt kit - three new pulleys and a modern belt - easy to fit, although a bit pricey at around £160.

 

[Rowana]

I have same engine and can can recommend the Beta replacement belt kit - three new pulleys and a modern belt - easy to fit, although a bit pricey at around £160.

+ + + + + 1

I used to go through belts like anythiing, but since I fitted the replacement kit, I've never changed a belt !

Most definately worth doing.

Belt before -

Belt after -

 

[Haven't-a-Clue]

And the moment I can persuade the chancellor to release the funds ringfenced for something else (QVC?) [I'm dead] I will be investing in said kit, meanwhile the spare belt in the toolbox will have to suffice. Thanks to all for help.

Edit: Should I be worrying abourt overtensioning, ie alt or waterpump bearings? AIEEE!

 

[Pye_End]

What size alternator? The manual seems more concerned about overtensioning for the 70A than the 40A alternator.

 

[Haven't-a-Clue]

Back home now so I can't answer that question, but I suspect the tiddler. TBH, I wouldn't know where to look to find out.

 

[VicS]

40 Amp is the standard alternator.

Same instructions apply whichever alternator is fitted.
For some reason it seems that there is more scope for, or likelyhood of, overtightening the belt with the larger alternator.
Adjust by hand not by levering with an "implement" .

 

[nicenicey]

+ + + + + 1

I used to go through belts like anythiing, but since I fitted the replacement kit, I've never changed a belt !

Most definately worth doing.

Belt before -

Belt after -

sorry for hijacking the thread, but where can I get a replacement kit? I'm just beginning to do-up a Macwester 26 with a 20hp beta and have heard the belts can be a bit dodgy...!

 

[LittleSister]

sorry for hijacking the thread, but where can I get a replacement kit? I'm just beginning to do-up a Macwester 26 with a 20hp beta and have heard the belts can be a bit dodgy...!

Direct from Beta. 01452 723492. Always had very quick, knowledgeable and helpful service from them. Explain what you want (helps if you have engine type, serial number and WOC (works order card number)) - they'll just take your card details and pop it in the post to you. (Don't forget to order a spare of the new belt, just in case.)