THANK YOU!!!!!! I have been looking for a solution to appropriately tension the alternator belt on my boat. I had the same experience with the crowbar method. If I'm ever back in the Toronto area (I used to travel there often for business), I'll reach out so I can by you a beer or drink of your choice.
If you DO decide to purchase one, take it to a welding shop before you use it for the first time, and have them reinforce the welds on each end. The current design is a tiny "spot" weld which breaks extremely easily rendering it useless.
Hi! Looks like Yanmar2gm20?? And Balmar alternator? If so, which size alternator do you have? How does the engine manage? You have v-belt, is it good enough? I have forementioned engine, would like to upgrade alternator but not sure what the old engine can handle...
The engine is actually a 3GM30 with a 110amp/ Balmar. The V belt does handle the load but I would say it is at the edge of requiring a serpentine belt at 100amps output. I found Balmar very helpful when I called them directly. They will help you with matching your engine and any tech questions or setup.
Great tool. But, why aren't you using another tool in addition to actually measure the amouhnt of tension you are putting on the belt... a tool like, for instance, the Gates Krikit gauge?
I spoke with Balmar Alternators directly, they told me the tension can be done by feel. Keep adding tension till you can feel the back of the belt has gone slightly concave where it goes around the pulley.