Water leaks onto Alt belt

[139679]

I have noticed that when washing or after my bike gets rained on that the alternator belt squeals horribly for about 30-45 seconds. Does anyone know if water should be able to enter the belt area? Or is the belt too loose since I also notice a faint smell of hot rubber after about 30 minutes of riding? This is a 2008 RT with just 5200 miles on it.

[deilenberger]

The belt is an elastic one, so unless the belt is defective, it's set at the right tension simply by being put on. On hexheads - you DO NOT change the alternator position to tension the belt, you simply replace the belt.

As far as the squeal - I've never heard it, and the R1200R is fairly naked. There are air vents in the cover over the belt area, so it's possible water is getting on the belt. Do you have a particularly heavy electrical load (lots of lights, heated gear)? The heavy load will make the alternator work harder, which puts more force on the belt..

[rmeisen]

Mine does the same thing. I have never had it happen during/after a rain, only after washing.

[dzimbric]

How old is your belt? I beleive BMW recomends replacing the belt between 24,000 and 36,000 miles.

[wsteinborn]

Mine just did the same (2006) after a day long deluge while it was resting in the parking lot.

Stopped squeeling within 30 seconds.

23,000 + miles, so I guess I'll be due for a change soon.

[139679]

Don the only extra power usage is a set of moto lights which i run full time. The holes on top of the cover is likely the cause,seems that vent holes would better on the sides?

[tomm51]

When mine is uncovered and parked and it rains hard when I start it my altenator growls for 15 to 20 seconds.Water must get in the vent holes.