Assessing drive belt

[hypophthalmus]

I bought a spare drive belt at 8km, because that's when the manual said to inspect it and I'd rather have one on hand. I don't really remember what it looked like, but I decided it seemed fine.

It's now at 18km, second time I've had the transmission open. It doesn't look obviously bad to me, but I'm not really sure what a worn drive belt looks like. A caliper measures the width to be 22.5mm, and the service limit is limit is 22mm. It has some cracks on the side, and the valleys look a bit frayed, maybe. It doesn't mention anything for thickness.

Here's some pictures:
http://earthwoodjoinery.com/random/photo/scooter/beltat18k/inside.jpg
http://earthwoodjoinery.com/random/photo/scooter/beltat18k/side.jpg
http://earthwoodjoinery.com/random/photo/scooter/beltat18k/outsideside.jpg

It also occurred to me that I'm not sure if belts will dry rot the way that tires do, in which case I ought to just replace it.

Thoughts?

[blue]

Sometimes they stretch and not noticeable. If your having doubts get a new one.thats something you don't wana go out on you on the side of the road.

[boo]

for a belt change. I would not trust a belt with cracks.

[ole two wheels]

The pictures didn't look bad, however the wear on a CVT belt occurs on the sides, that's why the width is important. The top and bottom do not contact anything. Dry rot is not a problem with transmission belts, as they are not exposed to sun or rain. Unless the scooter is stores for many years, the belts will wear out long before they are subject to dry rot. Following the replacement schedule in your owner's manual is probably the best rule, with periodic inspection in between.


Mac

[Redk]

Great advice !
It is wise to run the best you can, at all times.

Yes, I do have thoughts... (Possibly delusions.)

A used part, in service, is a proven part.
Any new part could be a Monday, or Friday product, and is unproven.

Of course there are always options.
1. Wrap that replacement belt in plastic and carry it, along with tools necessary to make the change on the scooter in a storage bay.
2. Replace the existing belt with your purchase, and do as above.
3. Don'tworryaboutit! Enjoy riding that scooter, especially if you are a local rider/carry a cellphone. Or enjoy meeting new people.
4. Spend more time washing/waxing/tuning/maintaining/photographing your prize scooter than riding it.

IMO, if you have not noticed performance degenerating, it's probably acceptable.

I am operating a 30 year old scooter with only 3k miles on the meter.
The clutch was noticeably grabby on startup, and the belt 'strummed' a bit.
All that has mostly subsided now that I am running it at least every other day.
I have no clue if the original belt has ever been replaced. Perhaps I should open the case for inspection ?

I have put thousands upon thousands of miles on visibly cracked serpentine belts in automotive use that showed wear on the sides, and the backside where they drove various sheaves. Never lost a belt.

Pls take my opinion with a grain of salt.
redk

[MJR]

I'm not sure if your owners manual lists a should be replaced interval or just regular inspection intervals leaving replacement to a visual determination. As I see it you have a few choices. Replace the belt now and know you have another 18K km again to do it again. Wait and keep inspecting it every 8K km until it's at the service limit or the wear on the belt is much worse or ride it until it fails and use that information as your own guide to when you feel a regular replacement should be done.

[hypophthalmus]

I decided to replace the belt. Probably there was more life. If the wear rate is linear, then I should have 10,000km left to go. But I'd rather just replace it since I have easy access to it now. And I absolutely don't want to have the belt go hundreds of miles away from home.

There's no replacement interval for the People 250, but doing a search reveals a 20,000km interval for a similar sized Kymco bike, which is what I'll probably plan on from now on.

[Tromper]

Cracks and I'd replace it.
Just not worth the cost of it failing.

[ole two wheels]

MJR, my owner's manual for my 2012 DT 300 calls for an inspection at 3. 6, and 9,000 miles and replacement at 12,000 miles or 20,000 KM. I would assume this unless the service limit is breached
prior to the replacement mileage.


Mac

[Redk]

I decided to replace the belt. Probably there was more life.

Of course !  It's probably that perfect belt that would have lasted til the next millenium !  lol

If it's convenient to do so, well, better than on the side of the road in a rainstorm !
redk