We all know you'd rather skip the upkeep of owning a snowmobile and just get right to the ripping up some fresh powder, but cleaning is essential to long lasting sleds. Check out how to keep your belt in tip-top shape with these easy tips!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
SCUFF CLUTCH SHEAVES:
Glazed clutch sheaves won't necessarily leave you stranded on a trail, but it will cause the belt to slip, which hurts performance and can overheat the belt and clutches. Remove the drive belt and slightly scuff both sheaves of both clutches with an emery cloth - apprx. 150 grit. DO NOT use steel wool as it will polish the metal. Scuff pads are ok but, not as good as an emery cloth. Slide your hand in a straight line, in and out, between the outer edge and center of the sheave. After there is an even scuff pattern on each sheave, wash them with warm water. If you leave the fine metal dust on the clutches, it will get into the rollers and bushings and accelerate the wear of those items.
Clean the edges of the belt with a wire brush or emery cloth to remove glaze. New belts usually have slippery residue from the mold used in manufacturing, so this needs to be removed for the best performance. Clean the edge with acetone, too. Belts become conditioned, so reinstall it in the same direction for it's full life cycle to help it last longer. Also, keep the drive belt adjusted with specification. Proper belt deflection is imperative for good, efficient performance. Most secondary clutches have an external adjuster that affects the distance between the movable and fixed sheaves, which sets the belt's tension.
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