A question about belts; what are the race guys doing?  Do they see belt

failures? Is Tracy using a belt?  Ever failed?

 

I admit I feel more comfortable without belts, but we should be deciding

this on facts not feelings.  I don't have any facts.

 

I understand many automotive overhead cams use belts.  A failure will (if

interference engine) bend valves and break pistons.  These belts must be a

well known quantity.

 

Modern belt technology makes very reliable belts.  I have four belts on my van that have run 170,000 miles over 12 years; and still look fine.  On my XJS, where they run hot, over 60,000 now.  I feel quite comfortable with belts on my airplane.

 

On my plane, I expect to change them out every couple of years, I made sure I didn’t run any wiring where a flailing belt might take it out. I have dual belts running pump and alternator which does improve reliability, but I understand that one going may take out the other.  Unless a belt is somehow damaged by other means; I just don’t see it breaking unexpectedly.

 

FWIW,

Al