hey guys, I'm just wanting some opinions on my next project. I'm installing an engine temperature gauge and was thinking aobut installing a temperature gauge for the belt housing as well, especially after my recent issues. Anyone have a recommendation for the "bad" temperature for the Belt area, ie. warning light at this temp. I could use the same info for the engine (what temp is the "oh ****, i'm running hot"). I plan to use the same gauges, and the temp range on them is 0-120c, or 32-248F.

 

That is a pretty cool idea, never thought of that one. You could maybe contact Polaris on that one. The temp range would be huge during the winter vs. the summer. It might be hard to keep all the belt dust off of the sensor though.

 

I still think its within range, I mean, I dont plan to ride when the ambient temperature is below freezing, and on this planet our summer days don't even come close to 248*F. The gauge I'm specifically looking at is teh KOSO gauge, which has a user settable warning, I figured like 150* for the belt, but iono, this is teh first bike I've owned, so its the first time I've had to give a crap about how to keep it running, lol

 

I would think that using a gauge that measures the air temp similar to a Pyrometer I have monitoring my EGT's on my diesel might work. You would just need one that monitors lower temp readings. 0-250 or so. I'm not so sure you could use something like an engine or trans temp sensor as those type are in contact with a fluid not air. Another thing to think about is that the clutch material will heat much faster than the air around them and by the time the sensor catches it, it may be to late. Honestly I think your case was just a weird what the hell moment. If it happens again so soon I'd be suspecting some kind of clutch alignment problem but often times you might notice shifting issues. If you have the cover off take a look at where the belt is riding on the clutches while at idle and revving. Should be pretty well centered in the primary. If the belts favoring one side or the other it could be rubbing just enough to start building heat and damage the belt.

 

I didnt think anyone would care about the tech specs, hehe, but for the air temp sensor I was planning on using a standard GM style IAT sensor, they have the exact same resistance as the Coolant sensors. so I would just have two of the same gauge, used for coolant, but one would read the IAT sensor from the clutch area.

 

i myself don't see a big use for a temp sensor for on the belt cover to mesasure heat form the belt. i doubt it would change anyones way of riding and as you mentioned there is no real way of telling if it is a noraml temp or if it's running too hot. to me just making sure to operate the bike the way it is suppose to like the manual suggest and there shouldn't be an issue w/ any belt. the biggest heat comes from running the bike at low speeds or hauling alot of weight while in high range and the clutch doesn't turn faste enough to keep the belt cool. imo

 

I suppose I will stick with just the engine temp gauge for the time being then, seems to be just me overreacting.

 

Belts last a long time I change mine every 3 to 4 thousand miles but I'm sure they would last much longer .