Beta polyvee belt

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onenyala

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I have read on earlier posts about the problems (shedding of black dust) associated with the standard fit alternator drive belt on Beta engines.
The solution seems to be the fitting of a poly vee belt which requires changing the pulleys on the flywheel, alternator and the freshwater pump.
I am considering following this route.
If any one out there has carried out this alteration I would be glad to know what is involved and any difficulties encountered.
 
the shedding/black dust can also be caused by misalighnment,which is one of the first thing to check,.if all the pumps etc are on fixed brackets and its unlikely to be the cause of the problem then a different profile belt as you say is the next option,however it seems a bit drastic to have to change all of your pulleys,
have you checked to see if your local bearing/pulley supplier can offer a belt with a profile that fits your existing pulleys better.
 
The beta engines have a different shape belt to the standard one in motor factors. A genuine kubota or beta part would stop or reduce the amount of dust being produced.

Some of the beta engines are supplied with polyvee belts, so they may be able to do you a kit to suit your engine.
 
I have had this problem on a 13.5 hp Beta.
Suggestions from Beta were;
Check belt tension (it was correct)
Engine space too hot (perhaps - added cooling holes in ply above and below engine)
Fit newer belt with grooved inside to aid cooling. (done)

The problem is now solved, without having to go to a poly Vee and new pulleys.
Ken
 
I had the same advice from Beta.
I have found that the belt tension is the most critical. I set up the belt with the suggested 12mm deflection using 'firm' (?) pressure on the top span of the belt.
There was plenty of dust coming off the belt.
I allowed the belt to go slacker. The 12mm deflection is now achieved with very little pressure and the rate of dust production decreased significantly. However I am still concerned as to how to get the belt to the correct that tension.
 
I spoke to Beta at the LIBS about this problem on my 28hp. 1005 model. They do a polyvee kit at about £300 but when I stated that my belts had done about 250 hours each it was pointed out to me that it was not really economic to change and the problem can be easily reduced by trying to ensure that the adjustment is frequently done and correct belts used. I am, however, going to go to the local Kubota dealer to see if they do any fan belts of a higher quality than the original parts. I find a vacuum soon sucks up the dust-a pain, but not catastrophic!
 
For Kubota (Beta) spares try Woodleighpower.co.uk
They live in Horndean tel. 023 92571360
Address is: 20 Highcroft Industrial Estate, Enterprise Road, Horndean.
Had excellent service from a guy called Ian Ross.
 
Had the same problem of shredding and the belt needs regular re-tensioning - more than I would have anticipated. I will look out for a grooved belt as suggested and replace this winter. Has anyone had a belt break?
 
I have two Betas installed in my Oceanic Catamaran, both shred belts, Ive tried various makes of belt including the grooved type but they still shred. I've cleaned the inner face of the pulleys with very fine wet & dry with some success. I personally, would not go to the expense of replacing the pulleys, just keep on adjusting.
 
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