Missing primary belt idler/adjuster

[Molly]

Bought a 78 Shovel. Noticed it's a bit snatchy when cruising but ok under load. Figured I'd tighten the primary belt but discovered the idler is missing.

Any legitimate reason for this? Would guys deliberately run the primary belt a bit loose?

Noticed BDL sell an idler so should be easy to source.

[xlfan]

Most belt drives do not use an idler. IIRC Karata 13.8 mm used an idler.

[Breeze]

The "snatchiness" cruising is a lack of a compensator. You're feeling the power pulses of the engine.

[Molly]

Thanks guys. I confess I've limited Shovel experience but 20 years on Evo-up. The 'snatchiness'is pretty intrusive. Hard to imagine it just a characteristic. I'll recheck the final drive chain and see if I can dial-out some there.

Appreciate your input guys. Always more to learn. Thanks.

[david lee]

i run the inch-half primo belt it came with the roller adjuster. without it the belt would be too loose

[JW113]

What belt drive is this? Many/most, including the one I had in my '77, uses no idler. Neither did the stock Harley FXB.

How loose is the belt currently?

And what does "snatchy" mean? Never heard that before.

-JW

[Molly]

What belt drive is this? Many/most, including the one I had in my '77, uses no idler. Neither did the stock Harley FXB.

How loose is the belt currently?

And what does "snatchy" mean? Never heard that before.

-JW

I'd say there's over an inch of play. I guess by snatchy I mean not smooth to the extent that it's intrusive / concerning. The motor itself runs beautifully.

Thanks again for the replies. Appreciated.

[motorplex88]

The 1.5in x 11mm belt will use an idler.You cannot view this attachment.

[david lee]

The 1.5in x 11mm belt will use an idler.You cannot view this attachment.

yes thats what ive got

[JW113]

Here's what used to be in mine:

You cannot view this attachment.

It used a Gates 1-1/2" x 132 x 8mm belt. It has some vertical play, but was not flopping around in there. This was a BDL setup.

-JW

[Molly]

Made a short video. Wait to the end to see how the belt has worn a groove in the inner primary.


https://youtube.com/shorts/mrdilxLaZkg?feature=share

[Molly]

Attempted to source a BDL idler from hogparts.co.uk. Even though the part is on their website they abruptly replied to say there's no such thing... I'm not sure what you do with that level of stupid (besides making a point to never use or recommend them again).

[motorplex88]

(BDL) Belt Drives Ltd IBK-1 Primary belt idler kit. California Phil or other vendors on here can help you. Google is your friend.

[MikeL]

I'd say the old belt wore the groove in the primary. The belt looks new/ newer. I don't think you could get an adjuster to work.

[Molly]

I'd say the old belt wore the groove in the primary. The belt looks new/ newer. I don't think you could get an adjuster to work.

It is new. Well spotted. Maybe 500 miles on it.

Once again, thank you guys for taking the time to reply and share your knowledge.

[brent]

ive had a primo 11mm and 14 mm both had idlers

[david lee]

ive had a primo 11mm and 14 mm both had idlers

had my primo belt for 35 odd yrs with idler and the belt still looks new