W/machine belts are a very tight fit. Put it on the motor arm first, then feed it onto the drum wheel a bit at a time. Remember that if the drum wheel is the type with a flange at the back, the belt should not rub on this or it will wear. Turn the drum manually a few times to ensure the belt is not going to work itself off or rub the flange. Alternatively, get a mate to help and loosen the bolts on th motor so that you can move it and slip the belt on. This is where the mate comes in handy, although it can be done alone. Pull the motor back to its original position, and re-tighten the bolts. The belt should be tight, but not over stretched. i would say 1/2 to 3/4 inch play . If the m/c sounds different when you power up and spin, the belt is not tensioned correctly. Likewise, if the belt begins to wear prematurely. Check that your drum bearings are ok, as this can cause the belt to slip off. Do this by opening the door and lifting the inner drum. if the inner drum clicks up and down, however slightly, before resistance and movement are noticed on the outer drum, you bearings are shot. Not a DIY job. Ubless you are mechanically minded and have 1/2 a day to a day to spare. Try this on a friends m/c you know to be sound, and you will feel the little bit of movement when you try on yours. UNPLUG THE MACHINE FIRST! 240 VOLTS CAN KILL!! Hope this is clear enough! I am pretty good hands on, but a bit useless at explaining stuff!
Smiling Carcass, August 2005
