Keep throwing belts

Post by **JoeH** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 5:21 pm

I have a Volvo KAMD 300 in my 2004 Albin TE flush deck. In the past 14 months I have replaced the V-belt (alternator) and the serpentine (water pump) belt twice. Each time the serpentine belt disentergrates it wipes out the v-belt. Volvo now tells me the serpentine belts (of which there are two, the other one drives the compressor) should be replaced once every year. I've been boating over 20 years now and this sounds absured. In my opinion an engine belt should last several years if it's maintained properly.

Any one in this group have a Volvo with a similar problem, if so I'd appreciate your suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

Joe H

Hope to see you all in Boston this coming weekend!!!!

jcollins · Post by **jcollins** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 2:30 pm

I don't own a Volvo but replacing belts once a year doesn't sound right. I would have to see that in the manual. It does sound like something is out of alignment.

Post by **Mariner** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 6:58 pm

Replacing a belt once a year doesn't seem out of line to me. But, of course, it all depends on how many hours you put on the engine. Does the belt have an auto-tensioner, or do you tension it by hand? Many people tend to over-tighten belts, which is why engine builders have started going to the auto-tensioners, to remove the possibility for human error. Over tensioned belts will fail much sooner than a properly tensioned one.

Post by **JoeH** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 7:48 pm

The belts are adjusted for tension by hand. I was told by a Volvo manager at a trade show to keep the belt closest to the engine very tight (the water pump belt) . The Volvo service manager indicated to keep the tension tight but not too tight since I might burn up the bearings.

Oh well !!! so much for relying on Volvo for help.

Joe H.

I just try and monitor the belts after each trip. What a way to instill confidence in Volvo engines.

Post by **Pitou** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 2:34 pm

Hey Joe ...
I had my diesel mechanic down to the boat for a little maintenance and I shared your plight with him. He was very familiar with your problem. He said he had a couple of commercial guys with your same engine and the belt problem ... and these guys put 3000 plus hours on per season .... long and the short he suggested having your mechanic put a straight edge pulley to pulley and you will see one pulley recessed 1/8" ... he shimmed the one pulley with washers and problem solved. I hope this will help.

Post by **RobS** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 4:40 pm

Pitou wrote:he suggested having your mechanic put a straight edge pulley to pulley and you will see one pulley recessed 1/8" ...

Kevin,
I went on Joe's boat at the Boston event to look at the belts to see if I could eye up the alignment but when he showed me the limited access I soon realized it would not be an easy look see. Hopefully your info helps Joe nip this in the butt - I feel for him as I know this must be quite frustrating, especially now that I had the chance to sit in his boat with him and discuss the situation...

Albin Owners Group

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