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Automatic Belt tensioner failure
On the last 250 mile leg of our summer trip during my morning check I discovered that the Automatic Belt tensioner for the 24 volt alternator on the engine was not keeping tension on the belt. It looked like the spring had broken.
I decided to see if the belt would stay on with the engine running and it did, although it did flop around a bit. The weight of the roller seem to be enough to keep enough tension on the belt to allow the alternator pulley to turn.
I decided to try and make the 250 miles to home and made it all the way with the belt still on. I did keep my electric draw to the smallest amount I could. Did not run anything but the day time running lights and the engine and trans computers. Watched the gauges and it looked like the alternator was keeping up with the power needs. I was worried that if I put to much of a load on the alternator that the belt would slip and either burn up or get thrown off of the pulley.
Got home an ordered the part from Prevost. Cost was $257. It arrived today and installed it in 5 minutes.
Now for the good part. It arrived in the original supplier box. Dayco part # 89417.
Amazon has the same part and may other places do fo much less.
for $169
Since I have only one alternator I think I will carry a spare. Side issue is that my generator is at ETLC getting fixed. SO I had no backup power.
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7 Replies
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Thanks Andre, part numbers save $.
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I wonder if it will be the same part # on an XLV?
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It is marketed as a Detroit part, so I will guess yes.
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Good job Andre. Your gen is safe and sound here at ETLC, E D just put a small planter box in the gen to keep it fresh and green.
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The damping mechanism in the automatic belt tensioners does wear out. If you see them skipping up and down at idle it is time to replace them.
Gerald
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This tensioner has 2 large springs inside and both were broken. There was no tension on the belt other then the weight of the roller. I will post a picture later of the springs.
The little pieces in the middle of each spring is what broke off and the springs were no longer anchored, so no tension.
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Atta Boy Buddy, keep up the good work turning Andre’s generator into a planter. If you can get a couple more pieces off Andre’s coach, you might consider making them in to a mail box.
I guess I will have to recommend you for a raise since I am not there to move you along with my 5 cell cattle prod.
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