I installed a blue circle 100 amp alternator with an ARS-5 regulator and can't keep the belts from wearing. I tried to "trick" the anlternator by setting the belt feature on the programming as an 120 A unit with a 3/8 belt to no avail. Any comments on this anyone?
1. Use a belt tensioner: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3667.0.html
2. Instead of using the programming feature of the regulator, use the small engine mode and a simple toggle switch:
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4669.0.html
and
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4454.msg27149.html#msg27149
3. Assure belt alignment with the pulleys.
We got a lot of belt dust at first, but it's gone soon after a new belt is installed. We still use the 3/8" belt, 7400 length.
We have the same alternator with a Balmar MaxCharge 612 regulator. Your ARS5 ought to have the same Small Engine Mode controls. I took a quick look at the instructions for the ARS5, and while I didn't see a Small Engine Mode, what you do is wire the alternator temperature output and input (#10 and #11) with a toggle switch, it puts it on 50% output. Download and read the M612 manual at www.balmar.net.
I did the straight endge trick and the pulleys could be a 1/16th out and I think thats within the parameters. I appreciate all the advice I received and eventually contacted a tech at Balmar and the reply was " yes you can bridge the temp sensor leads with and on/off switch and get a 50% reduction. Now to find out how to get all that belt dust out of and from around the engine
Iron : I'd try another washer and get that 1/16" aligned to zero and see if that wasn't the problem. Old belt??
Which pulley are you measuring alignment from? I use the water pump AND the drive pulley at the bottom.
A thought
okay. Never tried the water pump. I'll do that. Think I'll have to grind off some metal on the alternater to get it moved rearward.