Vortech idler pulleys seizing and belts breaking

[DJCarbine]

Originally Posted by cb7tuner

No problem, not trying to start drama with Vortech, but i think the community should be well informed of all potential problems. Maybe these are all signs we need to put on smaller pulleys and up the boost!

The smaller pulley wouldn't give more clearance... but yes, we do need smaller blower pulleys for more boost

[cb7tuner]

Just got a PM from Brian@vortech, he's being very helpful and trying to correct the situation for me.

[Dezoris]

Originally Posted by cb7tuner

No problem, not trying to start drama with Vortech, but i think the community should be well informed of all potential problems. Maybe these are all signs we need to put on smaller pulleys and up the boost!

I agree, at the end of the day as you said its better to publish the issues so we all know and prevent more problems going forward.

[Deepseadiver]

I will check my pulley at lunch time and report back. I think I might be rubbing because I have close to the same sound that was in that video. Only around 3000 RPM's. I hope there is no hole in my pipe.

[charged86]

so my question is should I go buy a belt and pulley for just in case? arghghhd


under closer inspection my pipe touches the hood slightly. I just played around with the fitment of my pipe I think I have it slightly better I think this pipe needs more R & D on their side. I also hope that there is only a small batch of these pulleys going bad.

[Foobar]

Just checked mine - there's a very slight rub mark on the bottom of the pipe going into the throttlebody but I've got at least half an inch of clearance between the pulley and the pipe on both pulleys that get close to it. Not sure if the mark was a remnant of the first install I did before I readjusted things to make sure there was no rubbing. I'll put some tape on the pipe and keep an eye on it to see if any new marks show up.

[charged86]

Originally Posted by Foobar

Just checked mine - there's a very slight rub mark on the bottom of the pipe going into the throttlebody but I've got at least half an inch of clearance between the pulley and the pipe on both pulleys that get close to it. Not sure if the mark was a remnant of the first install I did before I readjusted things to make sure there was no rubbing. I'll put some tape on the pipe and keep an eye on it to see if any new marks show up.

I like your idea. what was the order date and delivery date for yours?

I paid in feb. and received it in march was one of the new batch kits. it went to evasive then me

[Pete]

Originally Posted by charged86

so my question is should I go buy a belt and pulley for just in case? arghghhd


under closer inspection my pipe touches the hood slightly. I just played around with the fitment of my pipe I think I have it slightly better I think this pipe needs more R & D on their side. I also hope that there is only a small batch of these pulleys going bad.

I carry a spare belt in my car just in case. I know that is the most common point of failure for any belt driven supercharger.

[Dezoris]

Originally Posted by Pete

I carry a spare belt in my car just in case. I know that is the most common point of failure for any belt driven supercharger.

I have a replacement belt sitting in the trunk as well and one of the racing belt variants to test on order. I will probably throw that on if I get the pulley replacement in this week. My guess is that will add 300HP maybe 500HP because the belt is blue.

Thinking about getting a new tensioner too to be safe.

[charged86]

Originally Posted by Dezoris

I have a replacement belt sitting in the trunk as well and one of the racing belt variants to test on order. I will probably throw that on if I get the pulley replacement in this week. My guess is that will add 300HP maybe 500HP because the belt is blue.

Thinking about getting a new tensioner too to be safe.

Geez will we be redesigning this entire kit by next year?

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Dezoris

I have a replacement belt sitting in the trunk as well and one of the racing belt variants to test on order. I will probably throw that on if I get the pulley replacement in this week. My guess is that will add 300HP maybe 500HP because the belt is blue.

Thinking about getting a new tensioner too to be safe.

I may pick up the blue belt just for peace of mind if it isn't expensive. Also because Racecar.

[F1point4]

Here is the extra belt I keep in the boot for the vortech kit. These pics may be a bit overkill


20130709-VortechReplacementBelt-002 by VictorN07, on Flickr


20130709-VortechReplacementBelt-007 by VictorN07, on Flickr


20130709-VortechReplacementBelt-012 by VictorN07, on Flickr

Originally Posted by Dezoris

I have a replacement belt sitting in the trunk as well and one of the racing belt variants to test on order. I will probably throw that on if I get the pulley replacement in this week. My guess is that will add 300HP maybe 500HP because the belt is blue.

Thinking about getting a new tensioner too to be safe.

What is the part number for the blue belt?

[cb7tuner]

Just a pic of my bad idler removed, bearing barely moves and you can see the melted center section and lip where the belt rode on it.

Brian is sending me a new pulley and belt as an extra backup, and I'm sending them this to investigate it

[charged86]

Originally Posted by cb7tuner

Just a pic of my bad idler removed, bearing barely moves and you can see the melted center section and lip where the belt rode on it.

Brian is sending me a new pulley and belt as an extra backup, and I'm sending them this to investigate it

that got pretty warm.