Direct vs Belt Drive
- I blew out the belt on my little Aerotecnica MCH-6 and had to fit a new belt to match the specs of the original. Same length, width, angle, etc. But I am surprised with how tight it is. Reviewing the video tutorial from Coltri Sub, the new belt seems to have gone on exactly like the video. It's kind of different (to me) how they just lever the belt onto the pulleys without loosening the motor mount.
- On my RIX SA3, I loosen the motor mount to change to a new belt. Then, I get a pry bar and lever the motor to slide and tighten the belt. And while holding it tight, I snug up the motor mount bolts to hold it in place. The belt is as tight as I can get it and conforms to the tightness test in the manual. But it still is floppy. Some of you have commented on the videos I've posted of the RIX where you can see the belt getting floppy while running. Also, the RIX manual recommends caution not to get it too tight as it might damage the compressor bearings if there's too much side tension.
- The little Aerotecnica belt is tighter and has zero floppy-ness. And I'm wondering if there is any danger to the bearings from side tension.
On the Other Hand...
- My Tornado/Kidde compressor is direct drive (no belt). It even has a coiled spring in the fan to take up the shock at start-up. And of course there is no side tension. I think its pretty common to take the odd voltage direct drive motors off of surplus Kidde compressors and replace them with a side tension belt drive.
- I'd like to know how tight a belt should be and how serious is the danger of over tightening?