Great News!! Join me on Patreon for exclusive content and a chance to have your questions answered in detail. I might even whip up a short video to dive deeper into the topic! If you want to support the channel and connect with me on a more personal level, this is your chance! Thank you for your amazing support. Mel patreon.com/bigvansmallworld Everything I use in my camper van is available in my Amazon Store www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld - remember, this is an affiliate link, so every purchase helps keep these awesome videos coming at no extra cost to you. Thank you! Check out Beck's Channel www.youtube.com/@SACREDTRAVELLER .
Great video, as usual Mel. I have been told by Tech from Roamer Batteries to not exceed 40% of the alternators rated output when charging lithium batteries.This should prevent you from cooking the alternator.
Hi Mel, you should also bear in mind when your alternator is under more load, you should avoid prolonged idling due to the speed of the alternator fan not cooling enough at low rpm. 👍
Great video Mel. I will be doing two things before I go away again in the van. One, get a spare serpentine belt and Two, do a drawing of how it runs around the pulleys etc.
That’s a very good point Mel, which I’d already considered but there is a second point to consider alternators are not designed to produce maximum power draw on tick over because the fan isn’t spinning fast enough therefore the alternator isn’t cooling at the correct right Victron did a whole video on this and you actually see a normal alternator go into coil meltdown. I think your videos are great. Please Keep the fantastic work up👍
We have a Sterling b2b and I have it switched, so short runs I turn it off so it doesn`t drain the vehicle battery, if I forget to turn it on.. worst case is only solar in the leisure battery, great idea about the belt..getting one asap.
I suspect the belt deterioration was age related (wear and tear). The drop in engine tone is because of the current draw on the alternator. If current is being drawn there is a resultant voltage drop but don't think that would cause physical wear on the belt.
Hi Mel my vw did this it was the Clutch😂 pulley on my alternator that had failed causing it to shred. I was very unlucky as it took out my cam belt and 4 valves as well it’s worth a check
See how it goes Mel, just keep an eye on it. Possibly the belt was ready for breaking due to age and use and then the extra strain did finish it off. Great that you can turn the charger on and off via the app, can keep it turned off until needed perhaps?
Oh I need to do this drawing too, poor Mary and bucks to the rescue 💙💙 I’m worried about mine now, think I need to buy a belt I had the last one replaced 2019, but I just won’t today off Dave’s video the ech flow alternator charger I better go buy a spare belt thank you bud for this video😊😊
Hay buddy always carry a new belt they have a habit of breaking when it’s dark raining and you’re in the middle of nowhere it could be the best £20 you spent this year 🫶🤓👍
@ yeah will definitely buy one to behonest I never thought about them plus i didn’t realize how easy that is to charge your self I thought you have to take the whole front end off 💙
Interesting video Mel. Initially the alternator was only designed to run the vehicle and the designers tune the parts accordingly. Someone sticks a 50amp dc to dc and the work the alternator has to do is increased. Add an 800W powerbank charger and you’ve now added a further 70 amps. My Sargent system uses around 20 to 30 amps which is probably running on a standard alternator system. The potential load on the updated system is 4 times higher. It all seems a great idea to add the increased charging capability but does it make sense? I’m going to fit a lithium battery, probably 300 amps therefore I will need to change the charging system to suit lithium but I’m only going to install a 25amp size, maybe smaller because the large battery will allow me to be off grid for a good while even with low sunlight and I will be quite happy to go a site and recharge everything there, after all the toilet will probably need emptying and I’ll need water which in most cases are the limiting factors. That’s how I look at it others may disagree. Cheers Martin
Great video Mel I know you'll say it doesn't make a lot of difference but Isn't a serpentine belt a serviceable item and should be done every so often on a service
Hi Mel, I recon that you would not be using the air Con in the winter and you’ll probably use solar in the summer, only rarely using both at the same time. So I recon the strain on the belt wouldn’t be any different?
Haha I know right life doesn’t always revolve around just one project and just Incas you haven’t noticed I have decided to start uploading more videos a week now so I can include more content about the reality of my life I do hope you enjoy the new format maybe i should make a video talking about it 😀🫶🍻👍
My fan belt broke but I managed to buy another one in the town that it broke down in and my friend came out to help fit it. I gave him a diagram that I googled for a Ford transit. He fixed it and I managed to drive back home but the route cause was the tensioner is knackered so I had to get a new one fitted at a garage. Now it is fine. Then I had to change the glow plugs because it wouldn't start properly when it started getting cold....
@BigVanSmallWorld yes he definatley is, came out to help. And he said there might be a problem with the tensioner because we noticed that it was louder than normal and was starting to split the belt in the middle. Gettng the tensioner replaced fixed it.
Good night Becky and Mel i love watching your you tube videos on your you tube channels I hope both of you are well Please mel can you reply back to last weeks comments on your you tube channel it was nice to see Becky again o I hope that you are enjoying your new camper build please both of you keep safe and warm please keep up your you tube channels are you ready for Christmas yet
Does the alternator charger have a soft start mode like a home air conditioner with inverter control? It sounded like the charger came on abruptly and started to put full load instantaneously onto the alternator
Mel, what you call a flywheel is actually a crank shaft pulley. The flywheel is the other end of the crankshaft. Housed in the bell housing. (Front of the gear box). While you’re at it, you might want to replace the pollen filter.
I had a fan belt go on my old mk1 Sprinter. Garage pulled up Merc service sheets and there were 27 variations of pattern depending on year, power and application. Staggered me. I think Mel with his experience has done exactly the right thing to prevent any future confusion and mis-threading.
Great News!! Join me on Patreon for exclusive content and a chance to have your questions answered in detail. I might even whip up a short video to dive deeper into the topic! If you want to support the channel and connect with me on a more personal level, this is your chance! Thank you for your amazing support. Mel patreon.com/bigvansmallworld
Everything I use in my camper van is available in my Amazon Store www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld - remember, this is an affiliate link, so every purchase helps keep these awesome videos coming at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
Check out Beck's Channel www.youtube.com/@SACREDTRAVELLER .
Great video, as usual Mel. I have been told by Tech from Roamer Batteries to not exceed 40% of the alternators rated output when charging lithium batteries.This should prevent you from cooking the alternator.
Hi Mel, you should also bear in mind when your alternator is under more load, you should avoid prolonged idling due to the speed of the alternator fan not cooling enough at low rpm. 👍
Great video Mel. I will be doing two things before I go away again in the van. One, get a spare serpentine belt and Two, do a drawing of how it runs around the pulleys etc.
That’s a very good point Mel, which I’d already considered but there is a second point to consider alternators are not designed to produce maximum power draw on tick over because the fan isn’t spinning fast enough therefore the alternator isn’t cooling at the correct right Victron did a whole video on this and you actually see a normal alternator go into coil meltdown.
I think your videos are great. Please Keep the fantastic work up👍
Oh that’s interesting video I should try to find that one thank you 🙏
We have a Sterling b2b and I have it switched, so short runs I turn it off so it doesn`t drain the vehicle battery, if I forget to turn it on.. worst case is only solar in the leisure battery, great idea about the belt..getting one asap.
Take a picture... 😊😊😊
Or he could even video it, and put it on RUclips for safe keeping 🤣🤣🤣
Enjoying your content. On my third van build now! I used to restore old splitscreen vw's, I don't miss all the rust!
Speak to your local ice cream man and see how he copes
My belt came undone and there was a lot of wind to. Luckily I was sat on the toilet at the time.
I suspect the belt deterioration was age related (wear and tear). The drop in engine tone is because of the current draw on the alternator. If current is being drawn there is a resultant voltage drop but don't think that would cause physical wear on the belt.
Hi Mel my vw did this it was the Clutch😂 pulley on my alternator that had failed causing it to shred. I was very unlucky as it took out my cam belt and 4 valves as well it’s worth a check
I think it’s just a coincidence Mel!!! Possibly fit a better quality belt that is better suited for the load you need.
Yeah maybe 🤓👍
Can Mel fix it ? Yes he can !
See how it goes Mel, just keep an eye on it. Possibly the belt was ready for breaking due to age and use and then the extra strain did finish it off. Great that you can turn the charger on and off via the app, can keep it turned off until needed perhaps?
Liam the terrible had similar,belts breaking on Land Rover. Had a big B2B fitted, and only single thin V belt. I told him not up to the job.
Oh yeah that’s true I remember now 🫶👍
I had my belt snap on me due to power steering pump pulley to break down and cut through the belt. Found diagram on the internet and now carry a spare
I actually used my AC to provide extra engine breaking going downhill
(Small turbocharged diesel) 😊
I blew an alternator only days after adding a dc-dc charger once .
I replaced it with a higher output alternator,touch wood, have not had any dramas
First time seeing this channel, have just liked and subscribed...Love the idea of van life!
Oh I need to do this drawing too, poor Mary and bucks to the rescue 💙💙 I’m worried about mine now, think I need to buy a belt I had the last one replaced 2019, but I just won’t today off Dave’s video the ech flow alternator charger I better go buy a spare belt thank you bud for this video😊😊
Hay buddy always carry a new belt they have a habit of breaking when it’s dark raining and you’re in the middle of nowhere it could be the best £20 you spent this year 🫶🤓👍
@ yeah will definitely buy one to behonest I never thought about them plus i didn’t realize how easy that is to charge your self I thought you have to take the whole front end off 💙
Great advice thanks Mel.. 😊 🙏
Interesting video Mel. Initially the alternator was only designed to run the vehicle and the designers tune the parts accordingly. Someone sticks a 50amp dc to dc and the work the alternator has to do is increased. Add an 800W powerbank charger and you’ve now added a further 70 amps. My Sargent system uses around 20 to 30 amps which is probably running on a standard alternator system. The potential load on the updated system is 4 times higher. It all seems a great idea to add the increased charging capability but does it make sense? I’m going to fit a lithium battery, probably 300 amps therefore I will need to change the charging system to suit lithium but I’m only going to install a 25amp size, maybe smaller because the large battery will allow me to be off grid for a good while even with low sunlight and I will be quite happy to go a site and recharge everything there, after all the toilet will probably need emptying and I’ll need water which in most cases are the limiting factors. That’s how I look at it others may disagree.
Cheers
Martin
Great video Mel I know you'll say it doesn't make a lot of difference but Isn't a serpentine belt a serviceable item and should be done every so often on a service
Hi Mel, I recon that you would not be using the air Con in the winter and you’ll probably use solar in the summer, only rarely using both at the same time. So I recon the strain on the belt wouldn’t be any different?
Im having engine problems currently 😢 wish i was as handy as yourself 😊
Not another distraction 🙄 … Will we ever see that luxurious Vario finished? 😉
This is a window into Mel‘s life and
as you can see like all our lives stuff just gets in the way
thanks for sharing Mel
Haha I know right life doesn’t always revolve around just one project and just Incas you haven’t noticed I have decided to start uploading more videos a week now so I can include more content about the reality of my life I do hope you enjoy the new format maybe i should make a video talking about it 😀🫶🍻👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld bloody hell Mel, making videos about the reality of Mels life is a whole new channel entirely ! 😂😘
My fan belt broke but I managed to buy another one in the town that it broke down in and my friend came out to help fit it. I gave him a diagram that I googled for a Ford transit. He fixed it and I managed to drive back home but the route cause was the tensioner is knackered so I had to get a new one fitted at a garage. Now it is fine. Then I had to change the glow plugs because it wouldn't start properly when it started getting cold....
Sound like you have a good mate there 👍
@BigVanSmallWorld yes he definatley is, came out to help. And he said there might be a problem with the tensioner because we noticed that it was louder than normal and was starting to split the belt in the middle. Gettng the tensioner replaced fixed it.
Fan belt? - Auxillary/Alternator belt? Nightmare to have to do in the storm!
Yeah wasn’t fun at all 🤓👍
Great vlog 👍 thanks Mel 👌
Glad you enjoyed it
a higher charge altinator mel
Even better than a sketch, take video/pics with phone. I do it with everything!
That’s a great idea why on earth didn’t I think about that maybe because I’ve been doing this before mobile phones where invented lol 😂
@@BigVanSmallWorld My first phone might not have fitted down that engine bay!
The bearings in your alternator are getting tired, time for a new one. Upgrade amps too.
Hav yesteday Tandrem og vaterpump and div.skiftet. 😂
Bad maintenance 😂
🚐☕️☕️👍🏼🏴🌈🙏🏼💙❤️💙❤️
I hope it wasn't the Bluetti Charger 1 that cause that! I haven't even fitted mine yet! 😆
Hi mel 🤔🤔🤔 why didn't you just picture
Should watch a RUclips video on how it's done it only takes to seconds 😬😡😭🤣
Good night Becky and Mel i love watching your you tube videos on your you tube channels
I hope both of you are well Please mel can you reply back to last weeks comments on your you tube channel it was nice to see Becky again o I hope that you are enjoying your new camper build please both of you keep safe and warm please keep up your you tube channels are you ready for Christmas yet
The alternater could possibly be getting a lot warmer due to the larger load it's under im not mechanic but worth thinking about
Oh no it couid been alot worse .ty god
How long you been. Converting this van ?
Time for a new van 😊
great vlog on channel
Thanks so much 🫶👍🤓
Does the alternator charger have a soft start mode like a home air conditioner with inverter control? It sounded like the charger came on abruptly and started to put full load instantaneously onto the alternator
Mel, what you call a flywheel is actually a crank shaft pulley. The flywheel is the other end of the crankshaft. Housed in the bell housing. (Front of the gear box).
While you’re at it, you might want to replace the pollen filter.
Grow up!
The belt was probably old.... When did you last change belt?
Actually it wasn’t that long ago that I changed it when I did the radiator last summer
Has your van got a smart alternator ?
Pulley diagram is a bit of a time waster considering you can find one online in a flash
I had a fan belt go on my old mk1 Sprinter. Garage pulled up Merc service sheets and there were 27 variations of pattern depending on year, power and application. Staggered me. I think Mel with his experience has done exactly the right thing to prevent any future confusion and mis-threading.
I think things may have moved on since. I searched the sprinter serpentine belt and got exactly the same diagram as he drew.
Not the alternator old worn belt
How many people just left watching you bumbling along,I love your videos mate,but really just take a pic and save us all of this rubbish
ruclips.net/video/jgoIocPgOug/видео.htmlsi=HzHXIPFm1-RItOKQ
This is the Victron overheating alternator video
Mel your in britain its drive belt stop pandering to america please.......i dont like it the yters think they are america 😂
SIGN THE PLEDGE YOUNG MEL TO GET OUR COUNTRY BACK AND VOTE REFORM IN MAY. CHEERS MEL AND TAKE CARE.
Thanks for Update lovly hello from Lolland Denmark xpost Bjarne 🏞🗽🚐🚍🇬🇧🇩🇰