New Belt "Preparation" ?

[Blue Dave]

I have heard some guys talking about preparing or cleaning new belts prior to installing them. Some have said to wash in soapy water or even to put them in the dishwasher or scrub the sides with a Scotch Bright pad or something similar to remove the mold release compound.

The new "-01" belts supposedly undergo an extra manufacturing step to machine off the cord ends on the the edges of the belt. I am not sure if this removes the mold release compound as well.

I have a new "-01" belt that I am ready to install on my Apex. What do you guys recommend (if anything) to prepare it beforehand?

 

[copo427ss]

i would scrub it in hot soapy water, then dry it good. it took a while (like 100 miles) before my 01 belt broke in and grabbed right. and i didnt clean it, just put it on and went.

 

[RealDeal]

I normally scuff it with scotch brite or sand paper then clean with brake cleaner or laquer thinner . This is what we did before every run when we grass draged.

 

[apltx08]

I lightly sand it with a sanding block to remove some of the residue from the mfg process then wash my belt w/hot water and spray nine and let it dry, deglaze my primary and secondary w/steel wool and Spray Nine and rinse them w/HOT water and let them dry...then your ready to go nice and easy for the 1st 30miles or 50kms to break her in, I've been doing it like this the last few years and have had very good success touch WOOD I've never blown a belt and I ride a lot of WOT! I put 6500kms or 4000miles on my belt last year and was still within spec...I also get my cluthes refaced to get all the grooves out every fall before the riding season by a buddy of mine.

 

[Blue Dave]

apltx08,

What is "Spray Nine"?

 

[apltx08]

apltx08,

What is "Spray Nine"?

Simular to Simple Green, Fantastic, ZEP Formula 50, a strong type cleaner...that doesn't leave any residue.

 

[Len Todd]

You may want to consider being selective on cleaning products. Some leave a clear film on whatever they touch (e.g. Dish soaps, etc.)

 

[SledFreak]

I have never scuffed with scotch brite or sand paper. With a new belt, I just wash it in hot soapy water, (scrub the sides well) in the water. Then hang to dry... When it's a used belt or you are racing and want to clean the belt, then clean the sides with ascetone.

 

[tttario]

What about belt break in? 30 miles, 50 miles, 5 miles, screw it and pin it????

What you guys do?

 

[Alatalo]

I always clean (brush) new belts with soap and hot water, then let them dry overnight. I then break them in with very easy riding for 10-20 km.

 

[Sasquatch]

What about belt break in? 30 miles, 50 miles, 5 miles, screw it and pin it????

What you guys do?

20 miles no full throttle. Half is lots. No jack rabbit starts just ease up to speed. When I replace a belt I break in the new one and add it as a spare. That way my spare is always broke in and ready to go.

I look at the sides or faces of the belt and the minute they start to show cracks I replace. 3000 plus miles is the norm. Since I put a hole in the plastic bottom of the side panel and seen the damage to the shroud on my buddys sled when the belt let go and sent the belt guard up through it. I don't let my belts go as long as I used to.

Soap and water with a good scrub with a bristle brush. Hang to dry! Always break in the new belt!

 

[radianguy]

Sorry to go off topic a bit but what is the difference in the new 01 belt compared to the 00 belt?

 

[SledFreak]

What about belt break in? 30 miles, 50 miles, 5 miles, screw it and pin it????

What you guys do?

30 miles is the number. Go easy and no racing..