What did you do to your rig today?

[T1 Terry]

Started to replace yet another fan belt, at least this one has stayed on for 5,000km or more. The alternator mount bracket needs serious attention now, bolt holes are flogged out rather seriously, too serious for "I'll do that later" style repair so it looks like I'll have to revisit my rather scratchy machining skills and machine out the holes and machine up bushes. Think it's time to look at solid mounting the alternator and belt tension via a tensioner pulley only. Really needs double belts but that is a project too far away, might look at the direct coupled electric drive assist idea and replace the alternator completely and fit an electric water pump and thermofan and electric power steer pump so I can do away drive belts completely.

T1 Terry

[Dot]

And while you are contemplating doing all of that work you could of had Rustic Inn finished

P.S. I took the maltesers out of the bus as it will be far too hot for them in there today

[SteveW]

There's only one safe place for Maltesers!

[Greynomad]

... you could of had Rustic Inn finished...

P.S. I took the maltesers out of the bus as it will be far too hot for them in there today

Dottie,
"could have"
Sorry, it's the sub-editor in me. Can't help myself.

There's only one safe place for Maltesers!

Yeh... in my mouth!

[Mrcoolabah1au]

Sounds like a good idea rip out all the fan belts and go electric and replace all the old gear

[Dot]

Just keeping you on your toes Ray and the Maltesers only belonged in my mouth Now Wayne, that is the first sensible thing you have said in days

[T1 Terry]

Welded up the flogged out bolt holes and remachined them, made new bolts to do away with the single through bolt idea so the aluminium alternator body can be bolted up solid to the repaired cast iron mount points without risk of over tightening distorting or breaking the aluminium alternator legs. With a bit of luck this should sort the mis-alignment issues so the belts last for a while longer. Now to do a proper job on the side of the road temporary made up hose out side Yea a few yrs back.... yeah they still work fine but while it's out......

T1 Terry
and the engine does go in Rustic Inn Perfection Wayne, it was driven on and off the truck and get driven around the yard some times when we need to get to stuff

[Mrcoolabah1au]

Ok like the idea of a electric fan so you don't have to re lie on fan belts

[Peter and Sandra]

Having fitted electric fans to the Oka I would think very seriously about fitting them, I will eventually refit the engine driven fan as while they are adequate for normal conditions 40 degree + days see them struggle. The two biggest problems are that any sort of shroud fitted to enable the fans to sit as close to the radiator as required will restrict natural airflow when driving down the road without the fans operating and the increased electrical load might be beyond the vehicles existing electrical system. I have two 16" fans fitted and they don't shift anywhere near what the engine fan is capable of and while they are ok at constant travelling speeds, hot weather, big hills and heavy traffic see them struggling to do the job. Never mind the demands on the electrical system as a result of the 20 amp load required by each fan. Adding electric everything to an older vehicle doesn't bear thinking about!
A much higher output alternator is only the start and you still need to drive that with a belt.

[Busman]

Thermatics are an area where much homework has to be done. The original fan on VP shifted 7,000 ltrs of air a second at full noise so that is a lot to make up. We have solved the problems but there has been a cost involved.
We chose this road as we have ample solar to run the fans off (3000 watts) or can select alt power at night if needed.
We have clawed back the engine HP lost to driving the fan which is substantial, Davies Craig did some calcs for us and estimated it at between 10 and 16% of the HP.
I ran this past my Detroit mechanic, told him they estimated in excess of 10% and he simply said "thats right"
Original was not on a clutch so going flat out, even at Thredbo in the middle of winter.
Can be done but do homework first.
Our total load for 4 x 14" fans and 2 x 16" fans is about 50 amps, but the solar is supplying 100+ on a hot day so no issues. 24 v system