[sjacovino]

I just installed a new Balmar 80 amp alterantor on my new Yanmar 3GM30F. In about 15 minutes the alternator belt (about 20hrs on it) was in shreds. I checked and rechecked the alignment and it looks perfect. I put a new belt on (standard Yanmar part number) and after about 1/2 hr the alternator housing was covered with what looks like black powder from the belt wearing. I called Balmar and they said any belt between 3/8 & 1/2" should work fine while Yanmar says to only use their belt which is about the metric equivalnet of 1/2". I wouldn''t be too concerened except this belt also powers the fresh water side of my cooling system and I''m sure it will go at the most inconvenient time. Has anybody else experienced this? I would expect it to be a common problem with all the Yanmars using Balmar out there. I also took the Balmar to my local Napa store and they seem to think the pulley is a better fit to a fractional horse power belt, but I''m not sure of any implications with this option.

Thanks,
Steve