How tight is too tight? Is there such a thing as too tight?

My belt is looking a little stretched (not worn, just stretched (Gates 109.3") after 6 months abuse. My tensioner is ~30* from horizontal. I just ordered a new belt, a smaller one, a Gates 108" HD belt. I'm thinking 1.3" smaller overall is going to bring it in ~.70", right? Damn, hope it fits

 

a belt that is too tight will cause premature bearing failure.

 

well that's not good, but how tight is "too tight"? My belt is currently too loose with the tensioner at the 2:O'clock position instead of horizontal. I would think as long as the tensioner isn't "pegged" back that it is good to go, no?

I have a 2.9" pulley on the R1900 TVS. What are other's running for similar pulley size?

 

Thats a MP1900 buddy.....and too tight is really subject to interpretation. Without seeing or "touching" it its hard for me to determine that yours is OK or not.

I will ask the engineers for the science.

 

yeah, that'd be great. Give me a call asap so I can cancel my order (special order) if I have to.

5.3L with MP1900 TVS and 2.9" pulley

Thanks Boss!

 

I'm going with a 2.9 in a few days here, post up what you find for future reference if you don't mind!
Thanks

 

Current part # gates K061093 109.3" This one was pretty good but stretched a bit and is now giving me slip when I let off but not on the throttle.

next size down = K061080HD ...now one guy told me this was 108" even from an online store and Napa tells me it is 108.75" which would be cool HD=HD

GoodYear belt # 4061090 + 109" gatorback

 

Your TVS doesn't have the slotted idler pulley like the 112 and 122's? I have a 2.9" on my vette (MP2300), but I'm sure it's different than a truck setup.

 

actually I have one of Joe@leftcoasts slotted RIP pulleys....oh edit, you said Idler...nope not one of those.

 

I run a 1080 with a 3.1" pulley, 1900, and HD tensioner, works great and puts the HD tensioner dead horizontal! Belt is in great shape and no crazy noises from any bearings.......yet!