Alternator troubles on 2001 Super Air Nautique

[tisnyler]

Had the boat about 4 years. Been great. Recently (50 hrs) we have gone through 3 or 4 alt belts. They just end up in the bottom of the boat. The last one lasted the longest (after I had replaced the pulley). But even that one only lasted 15 hrs or so. I had the alternator checked after the second belt, and it checked out good. I have noticed "belt dust" on the bottom of the engine cowling. I cannot figure how this would suddenly start happening.

Also related, recently the volt gauge has been reading very low. If I have just one acc. running (blower) the voltage needle will sink to 10 volts (bottom of the gauge). If I turn on something else (bilge) it will start beeping at me. This is all while running 20 mph or so, not at idle. I have not checked it with a volt meter.

I am thinking to upgrade the alt to the 100 amp kit, but wanted to get ideas before I pull the trigger.


I have seen it at nautique parts.com and skidim.com----is either one of them OEM? Do they do the autoparts store thing (reman) or are they new?


Any thoughts???

[Rick]

I would look at alignment of the belt. If a washer is missing or the pulley is warped it can really chew up belts.

[bchesley]

You listed several issues that need to be addressed. If the alternator checks fine then you should not have that drastic of a voltage drop when turning on accessories. There will be some, but what you mentioned is a lot. You need to check your grounds. There is a ground wire on the back of you breaker box/PME that might be loose. I am a big fan of adding an additional larger wire to remedy this issue. Clean all cables and connections as with time things will corrode. Have you checked your battery?

As for the alternator eating belts, that will more than likely be alignment and or over tightening. Take a yard stick and lay it on the face of the pulley to check for alignment.

[TallTex]

I agree with this.

[TallTex]

I agree with this. A weak alternator will not "eat" belts, just won't charge the system.

[DanielC]

I am going to suggest there might be some some heavy electrical load dragging the alternator down. If the alternator is trying to make a lot of electricity in an effort to keep the voltage up, it will drag more on the belt.
Check also for rust in the grooves of the pulleys on the alternator, and the crankshaft, and water pumps.