The thin Alternator support Arm on our 1987 C34 Tall Rig Fin Keel's M25-XP Universal Engine broke.
I had a new support arm manufactured by a local engineering shop.
Now I feel that it's time to replace the V-Belt with a Serpentine belt, I'm very impressed by the improvements my sailing buddies have experienced on their, different, boats.
Looking at the Balmar 48-USP-M25 Pulley Kit.
I have checked and there is plenty of room between the front of the alternator, crank shaft and coolant pump pulleys to fit the wider serpentine belt pulleys and I can get all of the pulley bolts loosed except for the Alternator which I plan to take to a local alt shop and have them pull the old pulley off and install the new one.
The only question I have is: Is this the correct sized kit? ( Balmar 48-USP-M25 Pulley Kit)
TIA.
Paul
Paul : Why not ask Balmar ? your question/s @ 1-360-435-6100 I've had many a conversation with them - great people to get answers from!!
A thought
Thanks Ron. I'll ask.
Paul
Please let us know your results. They have a kit for the m35 (what's in my boat) and I would love to try it. There is less available room unfortunately with the m35.
Paul,
I'm not really sure what advantage there is switching to a serpentine setup. The original idea was to replace the 3 or 4 belts required on big highly optioned V8s with one master belt. Since the M25 has only one belt you're basically swapping one belt for another and I don't think that serpentine belt would be doing much serpentining.
Better grip and more surface area used with high amp (100A+) alternators?
As Noah says with no belt dust. It is just a ridiculously better system than a V belt.
Noah,
I have an uprated alternator (95amp) belt grip and surface area seem to be adequate for the task. I just don't see a need for a serpentine setup, to me it comes under the heading if it ain't broke don't fix it. As always your boat, your choice.
Kevin-It was Paul asking about a serpentine belt. I am happy with my V-belt with my 95A small case, externally regulated, alternator. I was just explaining why some folks with bigger alternators (100A+) might opt for a serpentine belt set-up to drive them.
Guys : I agree with Noah. I have a down controlled (to 95 amps) Balmar. (When it was rebuilt they put in a 120 amp stater - "bigger is always better - right!?!").
The biggest contributor to "belt dust" I've found is alignment between the water pump and the alternator pulleys. Also using a good grade belt!! I like Gates brand.
A few thoughts
The 'Why'
Belt dust despite great efforts at alignment.
Our alternator ( purchased from Maine Sail ) is a Balmar 100A, we had it serviced a couple of years back and the shop ran it up to 140Amps, it's powerful.
We have a Balmar MC 618 external regulator and have it throttled down to 75% to keep the load down to prevent squealing despite keeping the belt tension set appropriately.
I'm about to install 300Ah of LiFePo4 batteries and they can suck up the power ( hence the MC 618 ) but I'll be happy to fill the new batteries when we run the engine.
I have upgraded our electrical system substantially over the past year, a full Victron System, with the intent of replacing the Lead Acid Batteries which don't last very long here in SoFla.
Here's a link to my blog posts that show what we have done. (https://www.sailingeximius.com/search/label/Electrical%20Upgrade")
Just spoke with Mike at Balmar ( thanks for the ph# Ron )
The Balmar 48-USP-M25 is the appropriate Serpentine Belt Kit for the Universal M25-XP
:)
Paul
You are on the same path as I am albeit further along. When you get your pulley kit, please post pictures. I am very keen to see one in a C34.
Will do.
Quote from: britinusa on February 13, 2023, 07:14:41 AM
Just spoke with Mike at Balmar ( thanks for the ph# Ron )
The Balmar 48-USP-M25 is the appropriate Serpentine Belt Kit for the Universal M25-XP
:)
Paul
Only if your crank pulley has the three tapped holes in the front.
Thanks Rod, Yes, both the new Crank pulley and the existing crank pulley have 3 holes.
I had to go check a pic of the engine and check the pic from Balmar. :shock:
Rod, would you have the model # of the Alternator that I purchased from you?
It was most likely a CMI/AMP-It 105-ER? Without your email or last name I have no way to look it up. Is it silver, black or white??
Brit...
Checking in on your project. I am super curious about how it is going. I am about to purchase my ws500 regulator.
Update.
The kit arrived complete.
I was able to easily remove the Coolant pump pulley.
Could not remove the Alternator pulley - took it to a shop that replaced it with the new one
Was able to remove the out pulley from the crankshaft ( not used or required ) but new pulley would not fit over the old pulley as per the design.
Removed crankshaft pulley took it to a shop and had them turn it so that it would fit.
Everything installed and found that the belt with the kit was too long ( alternator would stick out of the access door in the head)
New belts are on their way.
I have heard of many of the challenges you experienced with other people that have installed it. I am impressed you got the front pulley off. I have always imagined that to be "rusted" in place. I am specifically curious to know about the clearance at the water pulley to the front steps and engine cover. This has always looked too close for a serp belt conversion. Let us know how it goes.
Hi Paul, I get an error when I clink on the link to your blog posts you provided in reply #10. Can you take a look at it? Thanks.
Fixed :)
Finally got the new belt and pulleys installed.
I had an issue with the supplied belts being too long, the Alternator would protrude out of the access door in the head.
Balmar offered to replace the 42" belts with 41" belts. Instead I got them from V Belt Guys for about the same including less shipping than I would pay to return the originals to balmar and back.
Great news! I want to see some pictures if you can. I really want to do this upgrade.