Let's FINALLY put this problem to bed! [EP 110] - Serpentine belt installation and A Dinghy Debacle
October 12, 2020 · 17 min · 64K views
What this video covers
An outboard motor misfiring under load and a persistent issue with shredding alternator belts on the Millennial Falcon require two separate mechanical interventions. The outboard engine’s performance issues, characterized by spluttering and loss of power when in gear, stem from a loose spark plug that failed to maintain compression.7:10 Tightening the plug restores the engine's idle and performance.7:55 Separately, the vessel’s alternator belt system suffers from chronic dust accumulation and premature wear, necessitating a conversion to a serpentine belt kit.10:16 The installation involves replacing the crankshaft, water pump, and alternator pulleys with new sleeves designed to accommodate the serpentine belt while maintaining compatibility with the existing watermaker drive.11:42 After removing the alternator to swap its pulley, the crew completes the conversion and confirms the system reaches a bulk charge of 14.2 volts during a two-hour test.16:40 Proper belt tension and pulley alignment are critical to preventing the dust buildup that previously caused the alternator to throttle back and fail.
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