The Vs of the pulleys in which it runs should also be examined, to make sure they are not the cause of the damage.

To check thoroughly, take off the belt and bend it back a section at a time, so that any cracks there may be are opened and easier to see.Ĭracks, scuffs, tears and bumps anywhere on the belt mean that it must be replaced. You can make a reasonable check by looking carefully all round the belt, and by feeling around the inner face for damage. , and often causes the premature failure of these bearings.īefore checking a belt always remove the ignition key, to avoid any possibility that the The inner face usually cracks first.Ī belt that is too tight puts an extra strain on the generator and water-pump Overheating is caused by the slipping belt failing to drive the fan or the waterĪpart from these effects, a slipping belt is itself worn more rapidly by the heat generated as it slips. The fault does not show on the ignition light, but the The belt often starts to slip only when the load on the generator is heavy - for example, when theĪnd rear-window heater are both on - and it becomes more difficult to turn. Light comes on to give immediate warning of a broken belt, as the generator stops working.īut the first warning of a slipping belt may well be overheating of the

The tension and general condition of the belt should therefore be checked at least monthly. Stretching slackens a belt, so that it slips on the pulleys. Age and continual flexing also cause belts to crack and deteriorate. Drive belts always stretch a little in use, because of the strains put on them by driving the

V belt tension checker