engine swap / belt tension?

[insaecula]

when yall do an engine swap how loose / tight is belt tension supposed to be? i may have worded this a little odd, but i figure engine - trans distance has to be set and best to have all the parts to mock it all up and not sure of what stock belt tension is supposed to be like because mine didnt have the correct belt to start with

[msafi65]

I usually try to duplicate the factory measurements between the two clutches. Many times the factory settings and belt size is unknown. You then start with proper width belt and set distance where you can pinch the belt around engine clutch center. Then pulling hard you want 1/16” clearance belt to shaft. When it’s running set tension so belt isn’t tight enough to squeal at an idle. Hope this gets you in ball park.

[john swenson]

for a max 2 or 4 i believe it's 1 1/2'' deflection in the belt , but not sure what machine you have . j.b.

[insaecula]

i have a hustler if that helps or makes any difference.
i assume that at idle theres enough friction , considering its a rubber belt, that the belt will spin the driven clutch some?

[bk720]

I usually try to duplicate the factory measurements between the two clutches. Many times the factory settings and belt size is unknown. You then start with proper width belt and set distance where you can pinch the belt around engine clutch center. Then pulling hard you want 1/16” clearance belt to shaft. When it’s running set tension so belt isn’t tight enough to squeal at an idle. Hope this gets you in ball park.

what do you mean pulling hard?