CVT cover getting pretty hot - belt problem?

[kymco-thundah]

Hey guys, first post 
So I recently purchased a new 2016 Agility 50 and after riding out the first 1000 km (600 miles) nice and slow I decided it was time to remove the variator restriction. Didn't come up with any apparent problems during the whole procedure, and I made sure to put the belt back on loose and align the pulley teeth with those of the crankshaft. Soo after maybe 5 km (3 miles) of riding I've noticed that the cover is heating up quite a bit, not so much as to not be able to touch it or anything (maybe cos it wasn't for long) but definitely noticeable... Anything wrong? Heard some other ppl had had problems with the belt after tampering with it so I reckoned it safe to ask
If nothing s wrong I'll soon be upjetting to an 82 and maybe Changing the CDI, anyways I've been browsing the forums since way before buying my scoot, lot of good advice around here thanks for any help!

[Mr. Paul]

It sounds normal to me. I dont think you have a problem. 

[Redk]

You did not mention what heat level you had observed before doing the work...
redk

[MJR]

Sounds about right, they have a fan.

[kymco-thundah]

You did not mention what heat level you had observed before doing the work...
redk

Yes, I wish I knew. But this morning after my morning commute of  +/- 7 miles it was hot enough around the air duct that you had to take your hand off after a few seconds. Everything on the outside seems properly installed so yeah, I'm still having my doubts

[ole two wheels]

Hi K-T and welcome to our little Kymco family. Have you considered that the restriction was there for a reason? With the CVT type transmissions, where the belt is forced to climb the variator  walls . heat is generated and rpm= amount of heat. Just my thoughts.


Mac

[Mr. Paul]

Just got back from a ride on my scooter. Touched the variator cover. Yep, its hot. There's a lot of friction with the belt in there plus the heat from the engine. It is normal for the cover to be hot after a ride.

[vespbretta]

Yes, my variator cover gets hot too. Way more than just warm.
If you just consider that there is a heat source from the front (engine) and a heat source from behind (gearbox) and inbetween the belt which has to deal with a lot of friction (which produces heat too), you probably wouldn´t have doubts anymore. 

You should be fine.

@Mac
Deristriction is in fact better for the engine, because it doesn´t have to rev that high all the time. But it´s probably not legal and maybe a insurance issue.

[CROSSBOLT]

This is kinda like the hot bearing problem in power transmission application: many millwrights/maintenance people would get really excited over bearing housings that were too hot to touch. That temp that makes you pull your hand away is in the 130 to 140 F range, not so hot for any roller or ball bearing housing. I would imagine variable speed drives are hotter than that since the aftermarket guys are selling IR temp gauges for off-road CVT vehicles to warn riders/drivers of belt temps over 210 F.

Karl

[mousejunks]

The vast majority of scooters out there have a centrifugal fan - it's the fins on the variator to help with cooling. This is because heat from the engine transfers to the crankshaft, driveshaft and then the variator. Also add heat from the belt, centrifugal clutch pads and reduction gears. As such the enitre transmission case will get hot.

[Redk]

I have not yet messed with this part of my People 250...

Seems to me, with that gasket, the belt case is sealed to prevent both road grit and water from getting in, which would really affect performance.

Perhaps it would be a valid DIY mod, or aftermarket product, to suitably vent this belt case for cooler operation ?
(Although I am really impressed with the mileage riders are seeing before repairs are required ! )
redk

It occurs to me, IF the limiter is removed, allowing more travel of the variator, the belt may ride higher on the driven sheave, and the slack side of the belt particularly might contact the case, building heat. Wear/dust might offer evidence this is occurring.
A belt slightly too long would also do the same thing...

.

[MJR]

Could always go crazy with the drill and/or hole saw.




That last guy used these patch screens.

[ole two wheels]

The CVT housing is ventilated. When you remove the outer cover, look to the rear of the clutch assy. and you will notice that the wall on the inner cover has an offset gap where air can enter and heat can exit with a very small chance of debris getting in.. It is not forced air, but it is ventilated.



Mac

[kymco-thundah]

Hey everyone, thanks for the answers. Little update:
I've put in 150 kms already and have had no problems so far, which is indeed in accordance with most of the posts on this thread contacted Kymco Benelux to ask what jet they put on their stock A50s but since it's been a week and no answer ive just bought an 82 online (which is also taking its time to arrive). Have no idea if it's running lean cos reaching the sparkplug's a bit more annoying than it should be but ah well, it's getting me to 60 kmh /40 mph so I guess it's fine for the moment. Btw, in case anyone is scared about insurance problems and such: where I'm from, the police is to be called only in the case of someone actually getting hurt, and they WILL check your scoot only if there's reason to believe you were driving at more than 45kmh... So basically imo you have to be riding pretty recklessly for that to happen.

[Redk]

You might want to avoid that 'reckless' option !
Experience tells me it has brought pain.
redk