I have a problem with the belt on my BD1005. I have replaced several belts and have had two belts wear through while underway. I have aligned the pulleys as best I can and keep the belts tight. Anyone have a similar problem or a solution?
The alternator is an Iska 65. I am on my second alternator and each has it's own pulley. The problem has persisted with both alternators. I use Dayco 15395 belts, but I have also tried Goodyear 15405 top cog with no observable difference.
I am probably mis-stating the problem as slippage, when it's actually wearing in the pulley grooves. I have never heard a squeel like I should if it's slipping.
I have tried cleaning the pulleys with emory cloth and they are clean and smooth. Both the alternator and the water pump turn easily by hand.
I get a lot of belt dust if I run normally for a few hours. I am about to try some kind of belt dressing.
Please do not use belt dressing. This will just create a mess that you will then have to clean up.
If, as you say, the pulley alignment is correct and the belt is correctly tensioned, the problem stems from the steel pulleys. What happens is when the engine is not used for a week or so, rust in the form of minute specs forms on the polished wear surface of the crank pulley and the alternator pulley. When you start the engine this acts like grinding paste and wears away a small part of the belt as the belt also polishes the surface of the pulley. This causes the black dust on the front of the engine and as part of the belt has worn away, it is then a bit slack and will thus wear quicker.
This whole issue may be exagerated by your engine compartment heat. When the compartment gets too hot, the belt wear is accelerated.
That is my use pattern, sitting for weeks between runs. I'll try buffing the pulleys immediately before use.
I don't think that there is much that can do about cooling the engine compartment. I doubt that a muffin fan and flexible duct would have enough effect.
