Can belt be too tight?

[Grover03]

Using a 74" Gates with the 17lb pully Belt is REALLY tight. Only way to get it on was to pull the idler pully off first.
Anyway is there such thing as the belt being too tight? Any negative effects?

Grover

 

[Dana]

Yes, belts can be too tight.
The spring loaded tensioner assy is supposed to prevent this though. If you have the tensioner all the way against the stop and still had to force the belt onto the pulleys, I would say you have it too tight.
If you just need a little additional room, grind off the tensioner stop. It will ease the belt installation. The indicator should fall within the original lines though after the belt install.

If the belt is run like this (too tight), premature bearing failure and also belt damage can occur.
Dana

 

[Grover03]

Thanks Dana,

After the belt was on (tab removed) the indicator just did fall within the original lines. I am noticing MUCH less belt dust.

Grover

 

[Dana]

Sounds like you should be OK then.
Good luck with the new setup.
You should probably have less of a problem with the KB and slippage, I hope, at 17# anyway.

Dana