MAINTENANCE
24
January 2013/ Alpha alternator - Alpha Pro II regulator / EN
7 MAINTENANCE
During maintenance of the Alpha Alternator, Alpha
Pro II regulator and/or the engine, the Safety
Guidelines & Measures are applicable at all times.
See section 2 of this manual.
See below for preventive maintenance procedures
that will contribute to many years of trouble free
operation of the Alpha alternator and the Alpha Pro II
regulator.
7.1
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Check the wiring at least every six months. Defects
such as loose connections, corroded connections,
burned cables etc. must be corrected immediately.
7.2
CLEANING OF THE ALTERNATOR
The cleaning interval of the alternator, strongly
depends on environmental conditions but should be
maximum six months.
Ensure that all alternator surfaces are clean to the
point that they do not have a buildup of dirt, grease
or dust. Air flow passages must also be clear so that
air can easily pass through the unit.
The alternator’s bearings are greased for life, they
cannot be re greased.
7.3
MOUNTING OF THE ALTERNATOR
Check the mounting of the alternator after the first 50
running hours. Then every 150 running hours or at
least every year, whatever comes first.
Make sure that the alternator is securely mounted to
its applicable brackets. The brackets, in turn, need to
be bolted securely to the engine. Poor or loose
mountings may lead to damaging vibration as well
as reduced belt drive performance.
7.4
TENSION AND CONDITION OF V-BELTS.
Loose belts will slip on the pulley, fail to turn the
alternator’s rotor and finally overheat the alternator.
The tension of new V-belts must be checked after
the first 50 running hours. Then every 150 running
hours or at least every year, whatever comes first.
Before adjusting the V-belt tension, inspect it for
glazing, cracks, or dryness. A worn or damaged V-
belt should be replaced.
If the V-belt is in satisfactory condition, check belt
tension with cricket belt tension gauge. Refer to
manufacturer's specifications for proper belt tension.
If necessary use proper tensioning gauge for your
application. Then adjust the tension accordingly.
If you replace a worn or damaged V-belt, the new
belt should be checked for proper tension as well. A
new belt loses 60% of its tension during the first few
hours of operation. If a new V-belt has been
installed, run the engine with full load connected to
the alternator for approximately 15 minutes. Then
check the belt tension again and adjust it if
necessary.
