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I just have the Harbor Freight green colored version. I had no idea they made such a heavy version. Obviously working for you. I also learned something today.
The manufacturer says they are not recommended for auto use. I would be worried about my p.s. belt in particular because of the tension I need on it to keep it from slipping. I think I will stay with the tried and true.
thanks 1956 F100
Yes that is correct, those link type belts are meant for relatively constant speed applications. They do not like rapid changes in speed and tend to jump the sheave when exposed to it.
As for V belts. Continental are about the best on the market these are the same as the Goodyear units that lasted 3 times longer than anything else.
Gates green stripes have served me well and you can find what you need with some cross referencing Dayco or Continental parts with theirs. (Inner diameter, v-belt angle, top width, depth, etc.). No unreasonably priced either and as you can usually get them off of Amazon for quick delivery (though I try to avoid giving Amazon too much of my money).
Yes that is correct, those link type belts are meant for relatively constant speed applications. They do not like rapid changes in speed and tend to jump the sheave when exposed to it.
With all due respect, now you're scaring me. I have never heard of or experienced that with these belts. Can you cite credible sources for your assertions? Publications? Letters/papers? Etc.?
Those are more than likely very good belts. I still wouldn't use them on any of my cars or trucks. Made for a different type of use. I didn't see in that flier anything about being good for automotive use.
Those are more than likely very good belts. I still wouldn't use them on any of my cars or trucks. Made for a different type of use. I didn't see in that flier anything about being good for automotive use.
So many think that V-belts are exclusive to the automotive industry, where in fact it is only a very small percentage of V-belt applications. What I don't understand is the "Made for a different type of use" - different than what? Automotive applications are nothing super special. The "We've always done it that way" and "Tried and true"mindsets have never embraced any progress.
I have queries in to both manufacturers as to automotive applications, we'll see, and I'm prepared to eat my words if found wrong.
Disclaimer: I have no ties or affiliations to either or any belt manufacturer. There is nothing in this for me in any way other than to prove a point.
From the Goodyear site. I see no written exclusions.
Where To Use Accu-Link®
Temporary or Permanent substitution for conventional Rubber V-Belts.
Any conventional V-Belt application where it is difficult to install an endless belt - avoid costly labor intensive machine teardowns.
Conventional V-Belt applications where chemical and high-temp resistance is needed.
Mobile Service Vehicles where carrying a large inventory of belts is not practical.
Ok, I'm eating warm crow now, so there you have it and the reason for it. But for the record, the diesel engines I'm running them on have relatively large sheaves 4" - 12" dia.), and the drill press small step pulley is about 2", table saw is about 3", so I don't completely buy it.
"We do not recommend Powertwist for automotive applications. The reason is that the majority of automotive belts are a different construction than classical industrial rubber vee belts. These automotive belts generally flex around smaller pulley diameters.
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me."
LOL that is NOT Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, That Goodyear is just a private distributor.
Twist Link Belts need to have much higher tensions to transmit the same torque as a conventional V Belt this not an issue where loading remains relatively constant. In auto applications where loading is not consistent and shock loading occurs these belts may require excessive belt tensions to prevent slippage and sheave jumping. There are adjustable belts for ICE driven applications that see shock loading and varying torque demands. See link NuTLink A/13/4L
But again they require higher tensions than conventional V Belts and to be honest NONE of the driven accessories in an auto application is designed to handle these higher tensions. Plus the cost is several times that of conventional V belts.
Leave the link belts for the applications they were intended...
Quality Aramid/Kevlar V belts will last nearly as long as serpentine belts and will still be less costly
Throwing in the towel on this, but I'm keeping my belts on because they have worked well for me. I don't quite understand the "shock loading" bit though unless it's referring to rapid governor response like when running in isocronous mode. Hopefully matthewq4b will school me on this.
Throwing in the towel on this, but I'm keeping my belts on because they have worked well for me. I don't quite understand the "shock loading" bit though unless it's referring to rapid governor response like when running in isocronous mode. Hopefully matthewq4b will school me on this.
In regard to V belts, shock loading would occur when there were rapid changes in the load of the driven devices or rapid changes in HP/torque and/or the RPM of the drive device.
Automotive applications experience both of these.
The rapid changes in drive RPM and HP/Torque is pretty self-explanatory when thinking of automotive applications. But to expand on it , rapid acceleration or deceleration, e.g quick upshift or downshifts, also engine lugging where RPMs are jumping up and down very rapidly.
As for rapid changes in the load of driven devices, things like the A/C compressor (if fitted) as it cycles on and off, the alternator as it cycles, and the PS pump as it's load can change rapidly, especially at lock.
This shock loading can be visualized in modern vehicles with serpentine belts and auto tensioners. It is easy to see the tensioner flex as the loading on the belt changes from both the driven items and the drive of the engine it's self.
If you get the chance jam a GoPro under hood aimed at the tensioner and go for a drive, and you will be surprised at how much the tensioner moves around as the loading on the belt changes as you drive.. The auto-tensioner helps minimize the shock load imparted on the accessory belt and reduces the shock load the driven devices experience.
The automotive application for drive belts are one of the most operationally severe applications there are, while not extremely tough environmentally, it is operationally.
