[sjacovino]

Thanks Fernando,

I looked at the discussion you recommended and there sure are many opinions. In my case I went from an 80amp Hitachi alternator to an 80amp Balmar simply for the external regulation. The alignment seems perfect, no noticable burrs on the pully and the belt is the maximum size for both the Yanmar and the Balmar at 1/2 inch. I was going to swap pullys with the Hitachi but they don''t appear compatable. Last night I tried a fractional HP belt that seems to fit both the engine and the Balmar very well, didn''t tension too much and ran the engine for 30 min. Again same problem, belt debris all over the alternator and oil filter. I''m not sure if it will decrease as the belt wears in but I''m sure a bit concerned about this. Balmar also sent me a new pully but the fit is not as good as the original, for this I would need to go to a smaller belt. Right now I''m perplexed and not sure where to go. I''m actually considering going back to the original Hitachi 80a and replacing my gels with lead acid batteries. There may be something said for keeping things simple. I just want to go sailing (<:

Thanks,
Steve