It is increasingly common for independent garages in Ireland to be working on vehicles with some form of start-stop function. These systems now often require service and repair using the correct replacement components. As original pioneers in this field Dayco is perfectly placed to satisfy these requirements. 

Vehicle manufacturers have relied on component suppliers such as Dayco, to come up with the required solutions and deliver effective start-stop systems that work seamlessly. Most systems now use a starter/alternator solution that combines both a starter motor and an alternator into one component, which is able to switch between each function on demand and, driven by a belt, it provides a faster, quieter engine start. The combination is now referred to as belt starter generator or BSG.

The two primary challenges with a BSG system are to engineer an auxiliary belt with the strength to start the engine, but still drive the alternator and related components like the power steering pump and air conditioning compressor etc, while still being no wider than a standard auxiliary belt.

Dayco designed and developed not only a revolutionary belt of a traditional width, but also coupled it with a patented self tensioning system (STS) able to maintain the correct tension on the belt to allow power to be transmitted in either direction, depending on whether starting the engine or driving the ancillary components.

In contrast to a conventional auxiliary drive system, the belt needs to withstand forces in both directions, which calls for different technology and manufacturing processes. When it comes to maintaining the correct tension on the belt, the STS maintains a balanced tension on both sides of the belt in relation to the BSG drive pulley. Instead of having a tensioner on just one side of the belt system, the tensioning device connects both sides of the BSG.

The Dayco STS, is designed to create a balance of forces between the two sides at all times, which enables the BSG to seamlessly switch between its starting and charging modes to allow the vehicle’s start-stop system to function to its full potential. The cornerstone development of this self-balancing device is the rigid connection of its pulleys, which allows it to maintain the correct belt tension irrespective of the direction of the load. 

Dayco can be relied upon by the independent garages to deliver premium quality OE products. Part of this commitment is the requirement to provide vehicle specific solutions, which means that, just like its traditional auxiliary belts do not include a ‘universal, one size fits all’ option, its BSG belts are also of tailored design.

What this means for professional installers and workshops, is that they should dismiss the suggestion that a traditional auxiliary belt will be suitable for a BSG application. Should they do so, it’s likely to lead to premature belt failure and an unhappy customer.

For more information visit: www.dayco.com