Belt Tensioning on my Cat (Serptentine)

[bantor]

I am wrapping up my Generator build.  So far I am happy with everything.  The one kink I have not worked out is the belt tension.

I am using an 8 rib serpentine drive with a 6in & 8in pullet setup from Mike.  The Pulleys are about 16in on center, so that leaves me with a relatively short belt. I think it is around 54in.

I seem to be getting a lot of belt slap - an inch or so vertical movement  while operating.  I am reluctant to tighten the belt and harm the bearings in the engine. I have made sure the pulley faces are exactly true. 

Can someone describe a procedure to get the correct tension?  Should I add an idler?  This would not be too difficult.  I am driving a 5KW head and belt slippage does not seem to be an issue, although I only have 3KW test load.


I purchased the generator head and a GTR-168 controller from Tom at Georgia Generator, and he was great to deal with.  Mike Moneith provided a beautiful set of pulleys for what I thought was a VERY fair price.

I will post some pictures today in another thread.


Thanks for your help!

Chris

[Henry W]

Check this out out.
http://www.microcogen.info/index.php?topic=61.0
Some good info on where to buy parts.
Read what I found that worked on my genset.
You might want to use an auto belt tensioner on yours.

Henry

[cujet]

Automotive idler pulleys would probably keep the belt under control. It may be possible to use 2 of them mounted on a single bracket. A slight bit of pinch on the belt may work. It's a cheap thing to try.