I should be drinking...

I really have nothing going tonight. Been elbow deep in grease trying to get a chain tensioner to well tension… It likes to slip from time to time. Not matter how much torque I put on the damn thing. I decided to sink another retaining hole so I can double bolt it. Seems to be holding for now.

I have seen many discussions on belt versus chain tension, and where you might be quick to dismiss the subject. You have this concept involved in your life a lot. Take the average fanbelt or serpentine belt as is the case on all the cars these days. How much tension should be applied to the tensioner? How do I ensure it will do its job?

I use a basic set of rules for all belts just to get them roughed in. Tightest would be that I can move the belt the width of the belt both to the top and bottom. The lose side would be roughly a one half inch play to both sides. With the belt set mid way between these 2 points I know I can start up the machine and the belt will do its job. I can fine tune it with it running to ensure proper tension.

Now why worry about belt, chains and the like? Well to be honest proper attention paid to these items and a brief check once a month will let your car or in my case my machines run with a reduced chance at a failure. Also, if the belts or chains are to tight it will reduce the life span of your other equipment/bearings or drive shafts.



Callahan’s Pro tip: Ever have a belt whine or screech at you? Replace it only to find the new belt does it as well? Next time splash some water on the belt, if the screeching stops it is the belt, if it does not stop, or comes back really fast, it is the bearing or drive shaft.