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Belt Tensioners
A while back I posted this article to the web site articles section:
https://prevostcommunity.com/PDF/PREVOST%20MINI%20AIR%20BAG%20BELT%20TENSIONERS.pdf
Now 800 plus miles from the installation I can say for certain the replacement of air bellows with a jack screw type of belt tensioning was a good option. Between the original installation and the trip we are on right now I played with my new set up. I knew as an untested change I needed to be prepared to deal with any problems that might arise so I made sure I had the tools needed to re-adjust the belt tension and even replace a tensioner if something should happen to one of them.
Prior to the trip I practiced adjusting them, and removing and replacing them. In my garage I ran the bus and watched the belts at idle and high idle.
I was over cautious because as it turns out I know from watching and playing and now actually putting the modifications to work everything works very well and from my playing in the garage I know the most difficult tensioner (from the gear box to the fan clutch) is such that I will only have to spend about 15 minutes to change a belt. Yes that is a long time compared to just turning a valve and seeing the belt loosen up, but it is a whole lot easier than messing around replacing check valves, regulators, air valves and air bellows along with the constant chasing of leaks.
If the next owner of my bus does not like my modifications every part necessary to fully restore the belt tensioner system is available and marked and can easily replace my jack screws, and the log book entry explains how to do it.
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4 Replies
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“If the next owner of my bus does not like my modifications”….
Are you trading in your bus for a no-slide “H” ????
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I don’t see an issue with the jack screw system you have used to replace the airbags. Im sure somebody in the think tank at Prevost had suggested that setup at some point but they chose to go with the air bellows system for the easy field replacement of belts by the driver/operator.
I would interested to see if you notice a shorter (or longer) belt life with your setup. I was told by somebody they used air bellows to lengthen the life of the belts significantly because of the controlled tension. I see your system will lengthen your patients on having to mess with one more air system prone to leaks!
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Jon, I love your “new system” for keeping your belts tight. I have a very similar system installed by Prevost in 1989. It uses a long threaded rod w/o the air bag bases in the way. Sometimes the older, less complicated ways work too. (like flip phones) No air leaks, no start up belt throwing issues, no check valves. I’m still checking it out after 196,000 miles, but I think it will work.
ps: I still have my bag phone stored somewhere if someone needs one.
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Les, not going to happen.
As to the Prevost think tank’s design I think it is an excellent idea and for a commercial operator who needs every short cut to making needed repairs it is ideal. It is a no tools way to change a belt and can be done by anyone, anywhere with no skills.
For me to take 15 minutes to change a belt as opposed to dealing with endless annoying issues with air leaks associated with the system I see it as an advantage for me. That is why if some future owner of this coach does not like what I have done I provided all the information required to put the entire air bag tensioners right back in place.
One huge advantage we all have is nobody is stopping us from creating our own version of the ideal coach and sometimes our “improvements” are ill conceived and sometimes we hit a home run. I will be watching my belt tensioning very closely to make sure it works as intended, doesn’t eat belts, doesn’t permit slippage or wear, and is in effect as reliable as an anvil.
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