6 replies to this topic

[Parity]

Just ran the devil in the dark and broke 3 alternator belts which resulted in an overheated engine. We started the race with a new water pump, new belt, original alternator (140k). We just replaced the front seal so the crank pulley was clean and I'm using Mazda's timing plate which is flat and doesn't affect bottom pulley alignment. I'm running a 20" LED and (2) 8" LED's for corners which according to manufacturer should draw 16-18 amps total. Power is tapping in the the empty ABS port (20 amp) in the passenger side engine bay fusebox. The lights also have their own 30 amp fuse.

 

When we first start the engine, the belt normally squeaks for a few seconds then goes away.  We ran several test sessions on Friday with no issues. During the first night practice we kicked on the lights and after several minutes broke a belt. Replaced the alternator and new belt in the morning. At first , squeal was gone but after a few sessions it returned. We ran all day with no belt issues (tons of other issues). We ran one session (about 1:45) with the LED's and stock lights on. When the next driver got in, we lost another belt and replaced it which broke within 1 lap. 

 

Alternator and water pump turn easily by hand. Pulley alignment looks good. Just for giggles, I had the original alternator tested and it's fine. No blown fuses.

 

Any ideas?

[MPR22]

Just ran the devil in the dark and broke 3 alternator belts which resulted in an overheated engine. We started the race with a new water pump, new belt, original alternator (140k). We just replaced the front seal so the crank pulley was clean and I'm using Mazda's timing plate which is flat and doesn't affect bottom pulley alignment. I'm running a 20" LED and (2) 8" LED's for corners which according to manufacturer should draw 16-18 amps total. Power is tapping in the the empty ABS port (20 amp) in the passenger side engine bay fusebox. The lights also have their own 30 amp fuse.
 
When we first start the engine, the belt normally squeaks for a few seconds then goes away.  We ran several test sessions on Friday with no issues. During the first night practice we kicked on the lights and after several minutes broke a belt. Replaced the alternator and new belt in the morning. At first , squeal was gone but after a few sessions it returned. We ran all day with no belt issues (tons of other issues). We ran one session (about 1:45) with the LED's and stock lights on. When the next driver got in, we lost another belt and replaced it which broke within 1 lap. 
 
Alternator and water pump turn easily by hand. Pulley alignment looks good. Just for giggles, I had the original alternator tested and it's fine. No blown fuses.
 

Any ideas?

The Devil is doing it?

[Ron Alan]

Curious also if anyone knows the answer...had the same issue once. Belt burnt and shredded...almost like the Alternator siezed. But when it was taken off seemed to spin fine?? (Normal load BTW) 

[Tom Hampton]

The Devil is doing it?

...in the dark.

[LarryKing]

I don't know what the 1999 alternator bracket is like but the 1.6 brackets are notorious for developing a hairline crack that permits misalignment under load.

[RazerX]

I have had a pullley develop a 'burr' on edge from some unknown cause.  check the pulleys.  Oh and the NA / NB water pump pulley has a different offset but you said you checked pulley alignment. 

[davew]

I have seen alt bearing fail. Causing a momentary lock up. Once the tension is removed, they spin free again. need to take the alternator apart to verify

 

dave