[Cliff]

The service manual shown below calls for 200 to 300 pounds unless you are using the Prevost gauge.

Look on page 6-53

https://secureus5.volvo.com/technicalpublications/pdf/pa1082-06.pdf

[Peter]

Jon,

I have have a 300lb Gates Krikrit belt tester. I tightened the belt by hand and it felt tight as dicks hatband, I checked it and it showed 100 lbs I can’t imagine 300 lbs. But… I read the info..

Steve

[Peter]

Run it for awhile Steve and recheck it ,the belt will stretch a bit

[Archived]

Peter,

That is what I’ll do. If it feels that tight at 100lbs I just can’t fathom 200-300… But what do I know!!

Steve

[Archived]

Steve,

That does sound high, but that is what the book says. Just for grins why not leave it where your gut tells you is correct, and the next time you are with another Prevost with the Series 60 and the automatic belt tensioner stick your tester on there and see what that is showing. I suspect it is far less than 300.

[Archived]

Jon,

I have had my hands on several belts over the years, and felt like I knew how a tight belt felt. But after tensioning the belt at what I felt was close and it was only at 100lbs when I checked it I thought that 200lbs would be way too tight. Your idea about checking on with the auto tensioner would be a good way to do it.

Steve

[Archived]

I try to always be guided by the Prevost service manual. Sometimes there is an error or omission, but the vast amount of information is correct. I have never had to manually adjust belts on any of my coaches because every one had either the spring loaded tensioner or pneumatic tensioners. This 200-300 pound spec might be an error. Over tightening can have serious consequences especially on bearings so I believe if you load the alternator and the belt is tight enough so there is no slippage you are going to be OK until you can check another coach.