I installed a new Balmar 712 alternator a couple of years ago and have had a recurring problem with a fine black belt dust in the area of the alternator pulley. In retrospect, I believe that the PO probably had the same problem with the old alternator as well. When first installed, I had cut off part of the 2 inch foot so I could use spacers to properly align the pulleys. Problem not solved, so I spoke to Balmar who suggested changing out my Gates belt to a Top Cog and reducing the power output from 100% to 90 %. Still no relief, so I read thru all the past threads on this site and decided to take off the alternator bracket and check it out, it look bent so I have replaced it with a new one as well as changing out the original pulley that came with the alternator with a new pulley at the recommendation of Balmar. I accomplished that yesterday, but still think I have a problem.
When you take a straight edge across the face of the engine pulley to the face of the alternator pulley, they don't seem to be on the same plane. What I mean by this is that the straight edge sits perfect flush along the engine pulley and then touches the alternator pulley at the far side only with approximately 1/16 inch gap between the far side and near side of the alternator pulley. I don't see how there is anyway to adjust that angle without litterally shimming the bracket away from the engine.
Has anyone else confronted this problem or is it something I have to live with?