Greetings,

I understand that the belt light on my 2003 Prairie 650 will go on at about 1000 miles (I'm currently just a flea fart under 600 miles). I know this doesn't mean that the belt MUST be replaced but rather that it needs to be inspected for wear, adjusted, and shims installed if necessary or as needed.

But.....what if a guy didn't mind spending the money on a new belt regardless of the condition of the current one? Would installing a new belt eliminate the need for for the adjustments and shims? I understand that a new belt is in the $100.00 neighborhood and I'm weighing that cost against belt-condition peace-of-mind. Heck...even my wife wouldn't roll her eyes at $100.00 every thousand miles.

Your thoughts?

Moo,
WheelCow

 

Actually, your belt light comes on at 100 hours. It has nothing to do w/ how many miles. For me, it was right around 860 miles. Regardless of whether or not you replace the belt, you will still have to reset the light. Why not just pull the cover and check the belt deflection? If it is good, reset the light and keep going. On my '03, I pulled the shims and installed the black spring at about 360 miles. When I checked the deflection at 860 miles, I was right at 22mm and belt looks fine. I am now at 1150 miles and no slipping or any other belt related problems. Run in low when going slow, and install the black spring, your belt will last much longer than you think[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]