Alternator tensioner setup - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: Alternator tensioner setup (/showthread.php?tid=1128)

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Alternator tensioner setup - Richard - 11-27-2013

I currently have the standard double V belt drive system for the alternator and AC compressor. As others of you who have this setup know, any serious load on the alternator causes the belt to slip, heat up, stretch, and eventually fail.

I have seen a different setup where a belt tensioner and serpentine belt is used. I have seen a few pictures of Newells with this setup.

I want to install this on my rig. Sourcing the serpentine pulleys and tensioner is no problem.

However, I am having a hard time figuring out how DD mounted the tensioner to the engine. Since it is a factory setup, there must be a missing piece but I am having a hard time figuring that out.

If you have this setup, would you post some pictures of how the tensioner is mounted?

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RE: Alternator tensioner setup - Richard - 11-27-2013

I may have answered my own question. I found a picture on line, actually a current coach at MOT, that shows a different bracket that the alternator and AC compressor mount to. It appears the tensioner is bolted to that bracket.

Ok, plan B, buy a tensioner and see what fabrication is required. I am guessing that DD wants about ten gazillion dollars for that bracket.

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RE: Alternator tensioner setup - Ozarkguy - 11-27-2013

Richard goto: http://www.gobookee.org/detroit-series-60-belt-tensioner/

look at the typical setup it shows the upgrade...

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Here's the info

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RE: Alternator tensioner setup - folivier - 11-27-2013

Too bad they didn't put the gear driven alternator like Tom has on his coach.

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RE: Alternator tensioner setup - encantotom - 11-27-2013

mine isnt gear driven, it is the dn50 oil cooled run by a wide dedicated serpintine belt

tom

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RE: Alternator tensioner setup - folivier - 11-27-2013

Oops, thought it was gear driven. That's what happens when you're up since 2 am. Funny how attuned you get to the sounds of your coach. Laid in bed wondering why I was awake, got up and saw the power was out. Everybody else had power, found out the main breaker in the tractor shed we're parked at had a meltdown. Almost swallowed my flashlight I was holding in my mouth when a big gecko crawled up my hand. Evidently when the farm was using the shed they were pulling way more than the 100 amp breaker was rated for. So early this morning I was out in 35 degree weather pulling out the old box and replacing it with a new one. Didn't trust the old box after seeing the melted plastic. The generator needed to be run anyway.

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RE: Alternator tensioner setup - Richard - 11-27-2013

Thanks for the help. Thanks to Russ for a nice photo.

I found the bracket for 125 bucks. Locating serpentine pulleys. Will assemble and report back. Which may be April with the weather we are having.

Yeah, yeah, I know. The answer is simple, retire and drive to warmer weather.

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RE: Alternator tensioner setup - rheavn - 11-27-2013

Richard,
I'll be interested in the final parts list as I must have the set up you are starting with. If possible can you post a before and after photo.

Thanks...........................

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RE: Alternator tensioner setup - Yachts - 11-27-2013

I have the tensioner on my coach.. I can take pics for anyone who needs it, or get part numbers just call me, 918-852-4157... I agree the other setup is difficult .. I went thru a bunch of belts on my old one.. No probs on the tensioner set up.

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RE: Alternator tensioner setup - encantotom - 11-27-2013

i have the serpentine belt for the alternator, but still have dual belts for the aircon compressor. i wish it was part of the serpentine

tom

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