Removing the belt guard

[RIN]

So what is the purpose of the belt guard? In our boat, the engines are almost right up to the bulkhead (cant stand in front of them) and there is only just enough space to get the impeller out. Are they there just to stop your body coming in contact with the belts or are they also there to protect equipment from flying belts?

Has anyone else permanently removed them to make inspection easier? especially if you have cameras already fitted in the engine room.

Any thoughts?

 

[neale]

Also to protect those in the engine room with loose clothing, long hair or dangly jewellery. I know that at least one of these does not apply to you

 

[RIN]

I have a hairy chest though

 

[Momac]

So what is the purpose of the belt guard? In our boat, the engines are almost right up to the bulkhead (cant stand in front of them) and there is only just enough space to get the impeller out. Are they there just to stop your body coming in contact with the belts or are they also there to protect equipment from flying belts?

Has anyone else permanently removed them to make inspection easier? especially if you have cameras already fitted in the engine room.

Any thoughts?

I would say the guards are to protect you if you need to enter the engine bay with the engine running. It makes more sense in boat with decent engine bay access.
A secondary benefit is the plastic guard helps retain some of the belt dust .

 

[sarabande]

or stops you pouring cocoa on the belt....

 

[Kawasaki]

Dam sarabande, you are so wise!

 

[benjenbav]

I thought the belt guard was there to stop you doing this. Please don't try it.

 

[sarabande]

Dam sarabande, you are so wise!

I have learned from the real experts specially those in Wales....

 

[lenten]

ex crew of mine --- went on to skipper his own boat---went into engine space---hood adjuster cord on his oilskin caught in the engine----killed him

 

[snowbird30ds]

I've seen a guy get his finger caught in a ford pinto cambelt, leave the guard in place......(good to watch, bad to do)
Also good if you have a diesel leak as the belt will become super slippy and probably skip a tooth or two costing a fortune, I always tuck the dangly bit of hoodies inside when in my engine bay with it running, same with lathes/mills and anything spinny.