Belt Size (Belt too tight)

[howdah]

Hi All

Recently put a 20HP Briggs engine in my Max IV , however on fitting a new belt (Dayco HP3017) i noticed the belt is very tight , squeals when sitting in idle due to rubbing on the bottom diameter of the engine clutch and looks to struggle to get to top ratio , ie at the top of the engine driven pulley , my question is , is a too tight belt as bad as a too loose one for loosing power ?

I have taken all the spacers out from under the engine and its still very tight

Any advise would be appreciated

Cheers

Neil

[thebuggyman1]

Too tight is better! In reality it is only too tight if the machine runs away at idle or shifting is impossible. Is your alignment correct? Is this a new belt? 1 3/16" wide? Where is it riding in the secondary at idle? Flush or above? Are you still using rubber motor(stand) mounts?

I prefer solid mounts, 1 1/4" belts, belt riding above the edges of the secondary. The top speed may suffer slightly but you will gain maximum low end power. I tension the belts by over tightening then back off till I can shift. If you are watching the primary looking for the belt to rise to the top, it probably wont.