Belt squeal under electrical load

[Jkraft]

Hi all, I’m three weeks I’m on my 28 with the 315 yanmar. When I fire the motor up there is a belt squeal that quickly goes away after a minute or two. The belt and tensioner were done 3 years ago, 350 hours ago. Now I discovered my windlass seems weak and when I am pulling the anchor in the belt squeals every time I hit the up button on the windlass. Alternator is charging at 13.9-14.1 volts and the battery selector is set to both and is tied to 2 8d batteries. Any idea what’s going on?

[dkirsop]

Check the belt for glazing, cracking and tension. If the belt is o.k. then check to see if the alternator spins freely with the belt removed.

[Tree]

Sounds like the alternator is working hard - check battery connections and battery condition.

My money is on a battery going down

[Jkraft]

Check the belt for glazing, cracking and tension. If the belt is o.k. then check to see if the alternator spins freely with the belt removed.

Will do!

[Jkraft]

Sounds like the alternator is working hard - check battery connections and battery condition.

My money is on a battery going down

Will do! I’m also suspicious of the battery condition too

[Carl]

Keep in mind, huge draw when first starting from preheaters. Watch your volt meter and don’t use things like windless or thruster til voltage is back up to 14v. Sounds like if nothing else, tighten up the alternator belts. If they have been slipping long, change them out and keep those on board as emergency spares.

[Jkraft]

Thanks for all of the responses! I am cleaning up the battery connections, load testing, and replacing the alternator belts over the next week or so. Hopefully my issues go away!