D*mn texas flash floods (waterproofing alternator)

[Bnjnz]

the texas gulf coast got hit pretty hard with some heavy storms. i have been driving a lot because of school and work through the flooded areas. i have enough lift and motor to get through(NP 229 comes in handy here.) but when i hit the water my voltmeter drops and all my lights dim. it takes a couple minutes to a few seconds to get back to normal. i remember something about drilling holes in the alt. housing to drain water, but what else can i do? i don't want to get screwed because of a weak link like this. thanks in advance

benjamin

[Langdon]

Sounds like temporary slipping of the belts from getting wet....maybe just tighten 'em up?

[Brown Bear]

As far as I know, there's not a whole lot you can do about this (atleast I don't know of any), other than tightening the belts REALLY tight. But beware. Overtightening of the belts can cause the crankshaft bearing to go south. I wonder of getting new belts and maybe putting some sort of texture on the pulley's would be worth while. Maybe give it a texture like 120 grit sandpaper. That might keep it from slipping. Hey, that's such a good idea I may go out and do it tonight.

[Bnjnz]

the belts are new, but i have not checked the tension since i put them on. sounds like a plan, i will give them a turn soon as it dries up. thanks

benjamin

[scotty]

do you have a clutch fan,or a solid mechanical fan? maybe one of your biggest prollems is that when you hit water with a solid mechanical fan,it is very hard for the blades to spin thru water.this is the whole reason i use an electric fan-so i can turn him off in deep water.when i used to run a mechanical fan,water used to really drag it down,and make it difficult to keep rpm up.

the guys are correct that there is nothing to do for the alternator. clean water does not bother an alternator,but if you go thru dirty,silty,muddy water,this can cause it to stop working.beleive it or not,most of the time,if you spray clean water on the alt while its running,after dirt contamination,it will usually start working again. this is one of the reasons that weve designed on board water systems-spraying out alternators,starters,and radiators.

further questions? [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Bnjnz]

it is a clutch fan. the electric setup was something i was looking to do for the benefit of cooling. but the not splashing the underhood with water sounds like an added benefit. i just don't have it in immediate plans right now. i appreciate everyone's help

benjamin