Dot & Georges .

[BruceS]

Dot there simply MUST be an issue with your setup.
Whether it's worn pulleys, too tight, too loose, not lined up properly or some other issue........ there IS an issue.
Gates belts are one of the world's best and as long as you got 2 from the same batch there is no question (in my mind) that you DO have an issue.

[Dot]

Can only go by what the 2 mechanics said and did
, we trust these "professionals" As an interesting point the other gates belt running from the bottom main shaft to the fan showed no signs of wear/ deterioration . Shall ask the mechanic again. I would have thought that if something was out of alignment there would be something to see /hear?? but just a female's way of thinking. All belts were replaced at the same time.

[dream4red]

GO GIRL POWER.. well done Dotty. xxxxxx

[T1 Terry]

Dot there simply MUST be an issue with your setup.
Whether it's worn pulleys, too tight, too loose, not lined up properly or some other issue........ there IS an issue.
Gates belts are one of the world's best and as long as you got 2 from the same batch there is no question (in my mind) that you DO have an issue.

My guess is they were alternator/water pump belts and they were not correctly re-tensioned after the first 500kms and again at 1500km, they have been slipping and are now burnt beyond serviceable condition.

[Dot]

WHAT?? no one mentioned that had to be done? bloody men so should we get them done now? Is there a gauge that you use or is the hand job tightener be ok, think we might have a look in the motor book. do you do this when belts are cool, warm hot or ?? (love this place)

[Dot]

Just had a look in the book re V belt tension and it gives you numbers ie. 10-15. so what does that mean please?

[T1 Terry]

Just had a look in the book re V belt tension and it gives you numbers ie. 10-15. so what does that mean please?

Probably means deflection from extreme to extreme on the longest run..... does that make any sense. Basically, look at the belts and determine the longest section between 2 pulleys, doesn't matter if the belts are warm or cold, but best not when the engine is running Feel how far you can pull the belt out and then how far you can push the belt in, 10mm to 15mm movement. Next, start the engine and lift the eng speed slightly and look at the belts, if they seem to be whipping in and out between the pulleys, stop the engine and tighten the belts a bit more, then retry. There needs to be some movement, so it's not like tuning a guitar string, not that tight, but the movement should be minimal.
When new belts are fitted this will need to be repeated 2 or 3 times, probably after only the first 100kms, then again at 500km and again at 1500kms, by then the belt should be fully seated into the pulleys and further adjustments should only be required at the 5,000km intervals. If the belt tension still needs to be adjusted regularly, like every few hundred kms, either pulleys are out of alignment, a miss match in pulley groove sizes between the different pulleys (this turned out the be the Mazda's problem) or one or more of the pulleys have a "V" worn more unto a "U" shape and needs to be replaced.

Did that help Dottie?

[Dot]

Thank you Terry, Q/ what amount of "force" is needed to push/pull the belts? a females full strength or a males finger shove? Going to give it a go right now

[T1 Terry]

As much force as you want to apply, you won't be strong enough to stretch the belts, if you are, the belts are stuffed anyway.

T1 Terry

[Dot]

pressure down002.jpg

pressure down.jpg

Top pic is the subject belts
Lower pic is G pressing down and with the VC it showed 10mm that is the same thickness of both the belts.
(I also did the press test and got the same reading)