Drivetrain new belt tensioner/idler
#27
01-31-2005, 05:24 PM
#28
01-31-2005, 05:53 PM
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#30
02-01-2005, 06:48 AM
6th Gear
Originally Posted by jlm
I mocked up a prototype but want to take it further so I am getting another block tomorrow (finally) so I can set up the entire belt pulley and tensioner system in the shop on the motor.
3 engines (1 came with the MINI, one complete engine from a wrecker, and this new one)
and
4 superchargers
#31
02-01-2005, 08:01 AM
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#32
02-01-2005, 08:17 AM
We are setting up a pulley party at the Dragon with Eric @ Helix again this year. I talked to him about availability of this new belt tensioner/idler, and he indicated that "it could very well be released before the Dragon". My hope is, I will be able to get the pulley and tensioner system installed in one shot. Could be a great opportunity for anybody sitting on the fence. We still have spots available! 
#34
02-01-2005, 11:08 AM
#35
02-02-2005, 06:12 PM
Originally Posted by jlm
I mocked up a prototype but want to take it further so I am getting another block tomorrow (finally) so I can set up the entire belt pulley and tensioner system in the shop on the motor. I'll check ity out with stock and up to 19% pulleys to make sure it alll works. should be a couple of weeks. (I do have to make a living now and then, damn it!)
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03-02-2005, 06:35 AM
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03-02-2005, 08:53 AM
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#39
03-02-2005, 09:02 AM
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#41
03-03-2005, 07:22 AM
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#42
03-03-2005, 09:09 AM
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I brought this up back in January of 2004 (https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=20683) glad someone is working on a fix for this.
#46
05-13-2005, 04:51 AM
Originally Posted by 62Lincoln
Here's another option, this guy is well regarded on MINI2: http://www.gtt.uk.com/parts3.asp
Don't know if he has a U.S. distributor.
Don't know if he has a U.S. distributor.
Yeah I asked Roland a few questions about his but was told its a secret!!!!
Just looking at it I had a bit of a concern about one of the features, but got no direct answers.
#47
05-13-2005, 06:33 AM
#48
05-13-2005, 07:50 AM
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let me communicate some tidbits:
in the stock system:
-weak link 1: the idler pulley needs a proper standoff/boss and washer; this is a $5 part, even though custom made;
-weak link 2: there is a too-long bolt attaching the motor mount bracket to the block surface right above the tensioner bracket. the too-long portion is an un-threaded pilot, completely un-necessary. the bolt should be removed and the pilot cut off. It is possible that too much beef applied to the tensioner tool can force the back of the tensioer bracket into this pilot, with the result that the bracket can be nicked and break (this is EXACTLY where the broken ones have cracked);
-weak link 3: the pulleys and bearings are well made, although they should all be trued; a fairly simple machining operation, where the pulley is spun on its bearing axis and the surface skim cut, removing no more than .005"
-weak link 4: if the pulley diameter is reduced, the spring pressure will be lessened; a spacer is required under the spring for reduced pulleys sizes;
weak link 5: should the belt snap, the only thing keeping the tensioner assembly from extending into the crank pulley and destroying it is the wimpy metal strip. this needs improvement. (Roland simply added an extra metal strip next to the dampener to control this, but that is less than ideal)
sufficent in the stock system:
-the bracket itself is strong enough and reasonably unstressed as the spring force is directed right at the tensioner pulley, (as long as one doesn't mash the bracket into the too-long bolt by leaning on the tensioner tool).
-pulleys and bearings;
-dampener; they may fail, but the unit seems adequate.
in the stock system:
-weak link 1: the idler pulley needs a proper standoff/boss and washer; this is a $5 part, even though custom made;
-weak link 2: there is a too-long bolt attaching the motor mount bracket to the block surface right above the tensioner bracket. the too-long portion is an un-threaded pilot, completely un-necessary. the bolt should be removed and the pilot cut off. It is possible that too much beef applied to the tensioner tool can force the back of the tensioer bracket into this pilot, with the result that the bracket can be nicked and break (this is EXACTLY where the broken ones have cracked);
-weak link 3: the pulleys and bearings are well made, although they should all be trued; a fairly simple machining operation, where the pulley is spun on its bearing axis and the surface skim cut, removing no more than .005"
-weak link 4: if the pulley diameter is reduced, the spring pressure will be lessened; a spacer is required under the spring for reduced pulleys sizes;
weak link 5: should the belt snap, the only thing keeping the tensioner assembly from extending into the crank pulley and destroying it is the wimpy metal strip. this needs improvement. (Roland simply added an extra metal strip next to the dampener to control this, but that is less than ideal)
sufficent in the stock system:
-the bracket itself is strong enough and reasonably unstressed as the spring force is directed right at the tensioner pulley, (as long as one doesn't mash the bracket into the too-long bolt by leaning on the tensioner tool).
-pulleys and bearings;
-dampener; they may fail, but the unit seems adequate.
