How do you tighten the belt on a polaris?? I am still having problems with the belt, it breaks on the outside edge about a 1/4 inch of it. I could tell my belt was too loose, so do I add washers/shims between the two driven clutch sheaves to get it tighter or more deflection? Do you have to add a couple just to see it move alittle or what? One more question, Can I buy the same size washer/shim at Home Depot or should I go to the Dealers? Please help I need to test out my new roller clutch this weekend!



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Steve Thompson 99 Scrambler 500

<a href="http://briefcase.yahoo.com/myscrambler">My Scrambler</a>

 

i am not sure that there IS a way to tighten the belt. It is not supposed to be tight. but you may have an alignment problem. did you put everything back the way it came appart?

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chris mattox 99 scrambler 400 4x4 / 98 300 express

 

NOTE FROM ATVBBS:

Text deleted for non-compliance with Forum guidelines.

atvbbs

[This message has been edited by atvbbs (edited 01-15-2000).]

 

Stocker..please go away, your using perfectly good oxygen.

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Dominator LT500R <IMG SRC = "HTTP://www.pinn.net/~nunnally/faces/face5.gif"> ATC250R

 

AMEN!

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'96 TRX 300 4x4

'93 Timberwolf 250

 

Photo from my <a href="http://marina.fortunecity.com//victory/272/atvmaint/atvmaint.html">ATVMAINT </a>webpage.

I used a carpenter's level for a straight-edge to measure belt deflection. It's a tight fit, but it works

<img src="http://marina.fortunecity.com/victory/272/atvmaint/mvc-003f.jpg">
Belt deflection should be between 1 1/8" and 1 1/4"

You want to press just hard enough to measure belt deflection (the manual says "push down on the drive belt until it is lightly tensioned"). If you push down too hard, you will spread the sheaves and your measurement will be way off.

Adjustment is by adding or removing shims.
This note is quoted from the Polaris manual:

Measure belt width across the top of the belt (outer edges) with a dial caliper. Width should be 1.88" (new); wear limit is 1.125". If it is less than 1.125", get a new belt - this one will ride too low in the groove.

OK, more stuff straight from the book:

belt nominal length: 40.875" ± 3/16"
clutch center distance: 10" +.1/-.05

The manual doesn't say that you must use Polaris spacer washers (shims) but hey, how much money would you save if you buy washers at Home Depot? Is it worth the risk of damage or failure?
BTW - if you have the driven clutch apart to get to the spacers, check the ramp buttons and the "Moveable Sheave Bushing". Replace the bushing if more brass than Teflon® is visible in the bushing. For a roller clutch setup, ramp buttons are eliminated (or so I've heard).


Tim Bundrick

'98 Polaris Sportsman 500
'00 Yamaha Kodiak

E-mail: http://marina.fortunecity.com//victory/272/index.html


[This message has been edited by Prospector (edited 01-13-2000).]

 

steve the belt is only loose at idle. As the engine RPM's increase the flyweights cause the front clutch to close and apply tension to the belt. As the RPM's get higher the front clutch gets larger in diameter. Since the belt stays the same size the rear clutch is forced to open and get smaller in diameter.

Check the surface of the sheaves. The sheaves should be smooth. Misalignment would cause the belt to wear unevenly but to break on the edges i'm not sure.

Is it the original belt ? If not did you replace it with a OEM unit ?

I toasted my belt with in 6 months. It was cracked in between every cog. I replaced it with a Higher performance snomobile belt which has cogs on the top and bottom. It has better cooling for less fade under load and it has tougher cords to resist stretching. I have this belt for over 6 months and it still looks like new.

Good luck with the roller clutch. I think you will love it.

Chris Picciotto
99 Scrambler 500

 

Thank you Tim!
At last I see an intelligent answer for a good question. So nice to see a little reality rather than the "my quads better than your quad..." B.S. I see on a regular basis. This ain't a chat line, its a forum for help and discussion on Polaris products, by Polaris owners...Thank you...

 

Yes you can tighten the belt. If it is out of spec. as stated it the post above.. Would suggest getting a clymer manual..
But basically it goes like this.. For small increments you can remove the shims to tighten, add to loosen.. Remember, as stated above, you have to leave atleast one in there... If that doesnt get it you can move the motor farther fron the trans. You have to remove both clutches and the inner cover..
Loosen the motor mounts, and tighten with the adjustment screw, its located on the top motor mount, Or it is on the 400 anyway. I think its tighten to push the moter away...
After you are all done make sure you check the allignment. As a mater of fact i would check that first if you have the tools. Or have a dealer do it... A loose belt usually doesnt fray edges, just slips more than norm.. or your bottom end doesn't feel like it used to... Anyway, my 2 cents worth..
Good luck..

 

Oh stocker you should have told me earlier cause i no my polaris sucks thats why i bought it.
thats why it blow the 300ex out of the water in ever thing
I can beat stock 400ex with my scrambler
i was wonderin where is hondas sport 4x4
BTW im not havin a good day