Volvo 2002 Alternator Belt

[DJE]

I have a long running problem with the belt that drives the alternator and fresh water circulating pump on our Volvo Penta 2002. It is indirectly cooled so the belt goes round 3 pulleys: crankshaft, alternator, circulating pump. The belt keeps slipping and slowly wearing out. I get through one or two belts per season. I think the problem is related to the reduction in lap angle around the pulleys when the indirect cooling system is installed. Also it is difficult to get the belt really tight as there is nothing to lever the alternator off except the copper cooling pipes.

Anyone else having this problem? I have heard about compounds you can get to coat the belt and improve friction. Anyone know anything about these?

<hr width=100% size=1>Better to keep one's mouth shut and be considered a fool than open it and remove all possible doubt.

 

[MainlySteam]

If you are not using a vee belt with a notched underside then using one might help. The notching helps with flex and angle of contact on pulleys.

If you are not using a Gates Corporation belt then using one might also help. I have no affiliation with them at all but many seem to be of the view that their belts are good - my experience is the same with them lasting and throwing very little dust compared to many when under hard conditions.

John

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[dickh]

As previous post says, use Gates 'Notched Raw Edge' belts or a recognised equivalent like Fenner or Trelleborg. Get from your local Drive or Bearing distributor such as BSL (Beraing Services Ltd) or WYKO. Look in your local yellow pages and then take along the original for identification.
Can you modify your alternator so you can fit a Push Bolt or a turnbuckle to push the alternater and then tighten the belt? I have done this many years ago but may not be possible on your engine.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[Achilles]

I had a similar problem and eventually in desperation asked Adverc if they could solve the problem. They provided a new pulley for the alternator that took an 'A' belt that was wider and deeper than the belt I had been using. Haven't had any problems with belts wearing out or slipping since. But I am able to lever the alternator to get the correct belt tension before tightening up.
Hope this helps.

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[BobOwen]

My business brings us into contact with a variety of plants worldwide who use machinery involved with various heating processes.

A common complaint is that small diameter pulleys driven by V belts, often break, causing loss of production etc. An effective (and proven by my experience) upgrade is to change the solid V for the notched type belt. I have had reports of solid belts that rarely lasted 6 months being replaced with notched belts that regularly lasted 12 months between maintenance schedules.

This doesn't seem to affect larger diameter pulley / belt combinations so much. Not being an expert in belts, I can only assume that when a solid belt is turning on a smaller diameter, it must compress / flex that much harder than a notched belt that allows compression on the inner side.
It also appears to give more 'grip' on those pulleys with less wrap around.

If you contact a belt supplier they can match just about any belt size, profile or shape - virtually instantly if you have the code off the belt. (And I bet its a huge saving on a branded item)

Bob


<hr width=100% size=1>Beer - its not just for Breakfast you know.

 

[DJE]

Thanks everyone.

I have been using either Volvo or Bosch notched belts. Think I will try another belt supplier first and see how that goes.


<hr width=100% size=1>Better to keep one's mouth shut and be considered a fool than open it and remove all possible doubt.