Belt Tension and Lubrication..

[Ah Clem]

Much has been said over the years regarding belt tension (it should be so tight it should not "ping" the inside of the boom, you should be able to push the belt so far toward the other side, hold the helicopter up by the boom and then tighten the belt while is supports the weight of the machine, etc.).

Most of these techniques are not optimal.

Regarding cog-belts, someone on the forums said "the teeth do the work, not the tension." I don't recall who it was, but they were very wise. The ONLY thing that counts is that the teeth don't skip. It does not matter if the belt "pings" inside of the boom).

Along with over-tensioned belts, comes friction through side load on the bearings, making it appear that tail drive belts have more drag than torque tube drives (resulting the many "belt vs. torque tube" threads on the forums).

On the 6HV-U, 7HV-U and Chronos, block the belt tensioner so that it does not exert any influence on the belt, then set the belt just tight enough so that, when holding the tail rotor, you cannot skip a tooth while attempting to turn the head gently. After this is done, release the tensioner and you are ready to go.

The belt on this 6HV-U has been lubricated with silicon spray and has some time on it (it is fully broken in). Note that it takes just over 50 seconds to spin down to a stop after Throttle Hold is invoked (you can hear the words "Throttle Hold" spoken by the transmitter):

Compass 6HV U Proper Belt Tension (1 min 3 sec)

[sewerfly]

Great advice Thanks Mr Clem

[cyclo]

Originally Posted by sewerfly

Great advice Thanks Mr Clem

+1000!

[Raz0rSh4rp]

"The teeth do the work, not the tension"... very true. This philosophy allows for very smooth belted transmissions.

[cycled]

Wow, exactly the two questions I wanted to ask!

I have some WL Clean Ride I've used on other helis. Can I assume it's also a good choice for this one? The belt seems a slightly different material.

[Ah Clem]

cycled,

"I have some WL Clean Ride I've used on other helis. Can I assume it's also a good choice for this one? The belt seems a slightly different material."

I am not familiar with the WL Clean Ride product, so I am not equipped to comment about it. I know that the silicone spray both lubricates and reduces static (also important).