Went to tighten my belt today and noticed that when I apply 10lbs to the belt with the HD belt tool it seemed to be too loose. So i got the book out and went through the procedure still seemed too loose. I noticed that the first notch on the window scale of the belt debris deflector cover is 1/4" from the belts resting point (the straight line from the rear pulley to transmission sprocket). I went ahead and tighten the belt so that the belt is just past the 1st notch at 10lbs. Has anyone noticed that the measurements may be off when going by the 1/8" marks on the belt debris deflector cover.

 

A little too tight is better than a little too loose. I've always run mine that way and my 12 year old belt is still on there without a leak from tranny or primary.

 

Yea I have changed many of timing belts with the same design. They are under alot less load than the drive belt and seem to feel tighter than what the book is calling for, that is if I use the measurement scale on the cover which I feel is wrong.

 

did you rotate the tire and check the belt at several different areas....and why do you think its too loose????

 

Yea did it exactly as the book says the belt is consistant all what way around. I got the rear tire off the ground and leveled the bike then adjusted. I think it may have slipped on me that is why i checked it. I also noticed that it had some sag in the middle when adjusted to the third notch on the scale which should be 3/8" adjustment from the bottom of the window. There is however space between the bottom of the window and the base of the debris cover that I think is unaccounted for.

 

We have to adjust the belt??

 

check belt with rider weight on bike.

if alone, just lay across the seat hang down on the left side and check the tension with your hand.

the tension gauge mostly lightens the wallet---it's pretty easy to get a feel for what 10 pounds feels like

danger of an over tight belt is wear on the bearings, leaking seals as alluded to above.

mike

 

Go by feel.

Set it and forget it.

If you overthink it and keep messing around, you will drive yourself insane!

 

When you place the adjustment tool against the belt with absolutely no pressure THAT is your true zero. Push it to the ten pound mark and see where the tool is on the scale. The difference is your measurement. Simple !

 

I think we have to evaluate the sag induced by gravity and from this point set the bow with the gauge. When cold, my belt moves a bit less than 1/8" without affecting the gauge then I get 3/8" deflection by applying 10 lb. When warm it has no sag and feels tensioned like the string of a guitar.