Manx Club

Anyone know the recommended replacement interval for the fan belt on our aircooled engines? I've searched the web and the only references to fan belt on maintenance schedules says to inspect and adjust it monthly (or every 3,000 miles).

http://www.vw-resource.com/maintenance.html

http://www.draytondubs.com/t27-vw-airco ... e-schedule

http://www.vct2.com/vwtech/Pages/Mainte ... HEDULE.htm

There is the fingernail test. If you can still make an impression that does not stay on the side of the belt with your fingernail means belt is still soft and will grip.
The use of a small tip screwdriver will give the same results.

The replacement interval is when it no longer works. They last a long time and wear slowly. They will brake only when dried out by a crack. They wear out before dry out. They wear out quickly when dry or a mechanical issue arrives. eg. I just replaced my belt after 15 years, 30,000 miles due to rear bearing housing failure. The buggy is driven seasonally on the beaches of Massachusetts (see Last Manx story in mania issue summer 2010). The belt still worked but was showing cracks. The service manual shows test of press on belt, measure depression depth, tighten or loosen. It is this adjustment that is most important for the belt. I have never broken a belt, belts loosen and fall off , fan stops, engine overheats. In bug belt may stay in engine area and be reused. In buggy look behind in road? Always carry 2 spare belts, a lifetime supply, you can give one away if need to, and still have one for yourself. Its nice outside go drive your buggy