7 replies to this topic

[JCmini]

Was checking my coolant out today and noticed my belt was twisted. 

 

 

 

Question is.

 

Is this likely to be human error or mechanical?

 

Either way think I should replace it. 

Edited by JCmini, 10 February 2018 - 08:45 PM.

[bae1994]

Are the pulleys aligned?

I think you'd struggle to put it on and tension it without noticing that it was twisted.

I'd be tempted to put a new one on as it might have damaged the webbing on the back.

[Mike L]

Definitely put a new belt on.

Human error can cause this but sometimes belts will twist on their own. Check your pulleys. Make sure they are mounted tight, are properly aligned and running true (not bent). A belt that is a little too loose can do wierd things with sudden changes of engine speed. I.e. Hard ecceleration and suddenly letting of the throttle.

[Alex_B]

Normally this happens when a pulley out of alignment, use a straight edge and check before fitting the new one. If they are aligned it may just be a fluke but keep an eye in the future. 

[JCmini]

Well it get even more weird. 

I went to turn the belt around and saw this 

 

 

 

 

The previous owners had bodged the alternator adjuster. No idea why.

It looks like they added a fixed metal bracket and then just left the adjuster to hang.

 

Am I right in saying to remove the belt I would need to remove the radiator?

Edited by JCmini, 10 February 2018 - 08:25 PM.

[andyapanel]

You need to slacken the alternator bolts, swing it down to give yourself some slack, then you can work it off over the fan blades; no need to remove the rad.

I have had two newish (1000 miles) fan belts go on me recently, the first times ever in my A series career.

One reversed itself over the pulleys (and it was not slack) and one slipped then shredded itself for no apparent reason.Different Minis, same manufacturer.

I am interested in finding out what caused it.

[Northernpower]

Just a small point, when you post the picture from imgur click on the picture you want and a list of options will appear on the right. Scroll down to the bottom one and click on copy, on your post click paste and it will put the picture in the thread rather than a link.

 

It will be worth your time fixing the adjuster and then making sure you fit the correct length belt. Once you have fitted the correct adjuster spend some time making sure the three pulleys lineup. Make sure you fit a quality belt such as a Gates one.

[JCmini]

Cool.

Cheers for the advice.  Thanks Northern power about the imgur thing. Still getting used to it. 

 

Not sure about the gates belt. Its what ever minispares sell.