Saved by small engine mode

[joe_db]

On the way home from Rock Hall the engine started to produce a horrible squealing noise
I quick disconnect of the field wire showed why, it was the alternator belt slipping.
I didn't want to have no charging, so I dove into the Balmar manual and it turns out if you short the alternator temp sensor terminals together the regulator limits the field to 50% power. They call this "small engine mode". It worked a treat to keep the belt from slipping the rest of the way home. I still got about 12 amps charging and the voltage gradually crept up to over 14.
Now to check the belt - I swear it doesn't have 40 hours on it I also like this field limit mode enough to put in a switch for it.