Limping home when alternator belt fails.

OK BigRabbitMan, Yours is the experiance I was hoping for in the replies. Thank you

chainegang wrote:
As a further enhanced solution to my previous post, couldn't I use the gen set to charge the house battery which is connected to the isolator, but does not go any further. This set up allows the isolator to direct the current from the alternator to where it is need the most. If I jump the isolator by bridging the house battery posts to the engine battery posts, wouldn't that power up the engine battery in the senerio I described?

Yes! In my coach I have added a heavy duty switch to connect the two systems. I have been in your situation (twice!) and with the hard wired jump connection all I had to do was go turn on the normally open switch and away I went. Traveled from Cheyenne, WY to Minden, NE that way. No limping to it!

Where are all the McGyvers in this group? Do whatever your talent and ingenuity will allow to get you to a safe place to effect repairs.

Those of you with no mechanical ability are advised to call a tow truck. A man has to know his limitations.

Eddie

3 dog nights wrote:
Dating my self, but years ago when I had a belt break I was able to get to help by tying a pair of panty hose around the pully's. Probably won't work with todays motors, but this thread brought back memories...

Wrapped the hose around the pully's what?

chainegang wrote:
Can you back feed on board generator power through converter to engine battery when alternator belt fails so as to limp home? Water pump and power steering on separate belt.
Dodge B350 w/ 360 engine.

If you know what you are doing it will work fine.

for standard V groove belts
there is an "emg belt kit" you can buy at auto stores

it is a cut to fit system adjustable in size

to use to get you to a repair facility

Dating my self, but years ago when I had a belt break I was able to get to help by tying a pair of panty hose around the pully's. Probably won't work with todays motors, but this thread brought back memories...

Interesting thread since I'm going thru a similar situation presently. Alternator quit working for whatever reason and need to drive to my dealer 10-12 miles to get it looked at. Plan on running my genny which will keep the battery charged as I drive. On my coach, the converter will charge both house and chassis batteries when on shore power. Conversely, the alternator will charge all batteries as well while underway. Newmar uses a "BIRD" system = Bi-directional Isolator Relay Delay, which allows the multi-function charging I described. Suspect many other coaches use that or a similar system as well.

tpi wrote:
Maybe..

You have to determine what isolates the house 12 volt system from the vehicle 12 volt system. Some have diode, others have relay, and some may have a switch or no isolation at all. The diode would be problematic for backfeeding.

My class C uses a relay which clicks in when ignition is on,

Possibly not. The "relay" in our MH is powered from within the alternator.

connecting the two systems. Getting engine started, then start generator and power converter should work. Probably best to operate least amount of vehicle accessories possible. I'm counting on it as a backup to alternator electrical failure.

But you could "jump" across the relay input and output.

As a further enhanced solution to my previous post, couldn't I use the gen set to charge the house battery which is connected to the isolator, but does not go any further. This set up allows the isolator to direct the current from the alternator to where it is need the most. If I jump the isolator by bridging the house battery posts to the engine battery posts, wouldn't that power up the engine battery in the senerio I described?