Sidewinder belt deflection.... can’t get it tight enough?

[stevewithOCD]

Let's STOP and BACK UP
Your main question is the belt deflection so let's start with that.
You said you have an EXCELL belt deflection adjuster which i believe is the same as a BOP adjuster.
Send us a pic so we can verify that.
If it is, then loosen the big nut all the way out. When all the way out and not touching the clutch/helix, that belt should be riding an 1/8 inch HIGH.
If the nut is still against the clutch then you'll need to add some of the small diameter washers that come with the kit so the big nut can loosen some more.

The washer behind clutch against circlip is for offset.
Since we don't know what your offset is, we can't tell you to remove it. ALTHOUGH most of us found our offset too much so more than likely you'll need to remove it. Don't worry about it resting on the clip.

The "numbered holes" are for spring tension. Unless you removed the helix, it's set at 3 plus 3 which equals 6 or 60 degrees which is the stock setting.

Neither one of these last 2 things effect belt deflection.

 

[Crazy Canuk]

I have the Thunder Products Belt Adjuster on my Winder and even with the adjuster backed all the way out, I cannot get the belt to run at the top of the secondary let alone any higher. This is on snow. Any ideas as it seems the OP and I are in the same boat.

 

[jonlafon1]

I have the Thunder Products Belt Adjuster on my Winder and even with the adjuster backed all the way out, I cannot get the belt to run at the top of the secondary let alone any higher. This is on snow. Any ideas as it seems the OP and I are in the same boat.

What spring is in secondary? And what degrees is it wrapped at?

 

[Crazy Canuk]

What spring is in secondary? And what degrees is it wrapped at?

I am stock on the clutches for now. Timken Belt and TP Adjuster are the only changes I have made so far.

 

[jonlafon1]

Brand new belt? Wondering if these XS belts are so sticky they (sticking) on the back shift? Any chance you tried the 8jp stock belt? And it does it also? If it’s a brand new belt and or machine with low miles maybe get some more miles on and things might break in/ loosen up some. Check secondary spring and rollers also.

 

[Crazy Canuk]

Brand new belt? Wondering if these XS belts are so sticky they (sticking) on the back shift? Any chance you tried the 8jp stock belt? And it does it also? If it’s a brand new belt and or machine with low miles maybe get some more miles on and things might break in/ loosen up some. Check secondary spring and rollers also.

Brand new belt and machine. Have about 95km on it now and never tried the 8JP. Will run it for a bit and see if it loosens up a bit and report back. Will check the clutch this weekend as well. Thx

 

[jonlafon1]

Brand new belt and machine. Have about 95km on it now and never tried the 8JP. Will run it for a bit and see if it loosens up a bit and report back. Will check the clutch this weekend as well. Thx

Yea see what happens with a few more miles. Things are still working in so to speak.

 

[Crazy Canuk]

Yea see what happens with a few more miles. Things are still working in so to speak.

Will do and see how it goes. Sorry to highjack OP!

 

[Motorhead]

Will do and see how it goes. Sorry to highjack OP!

My thought has been and is that your aftermarket belt adjusters need some initial set up tweaks, whereas the stock set up (washer removal or add) allows for way too tight or way too loose if desired!