Drive Belt Inspection - Arctic Cat Cougar Service Manual

DRIVE SYSTEM
5. Inspect the drive belt as described in this
chapter.
6. Perform the drive belt alignment procedure as
described in this chapter.
7. Reverse Steps 1-4 and install the drive belt. If
installing the original belt, make sure you install
it so the manufacturer's marks on the belt, or
those made before removal, all face forward.
When installing a new belt, install it so that you
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can read the belt identification marks while
standing on the left side of the machine and
looking into the engine compartment (Figure 7).
Inspection
The belt should be inspected at the intervals
listed in Chapter 3.
1. Remove the drive belt as described in this
chapter.
2. Measure the width of the drive belt at its
widest point (Figure 8). Replace the belt if the
width is less than the minimum listed in Table 1.
3. Measure the circumference of the drive belt
with a tape measure (Figure 9). Replace the belt
if the outside circumference is not within the
limits listed in Table 1.
4. Visually inspect the belt for the following
conditions:
a. Frayed edge-Check the sides of the belt
for a frayed edge cord (Figure 10). This
indicates drive belt misalignment. Drive
belt misalignment can be caused by incor-
rect pulley alignment and loose engine
mounting bolts.
b. Worn narrow in one section-Examine the
belt for a section worn narrower (Figure
11) than the rest of the belt. This condition
is caused by excessive belt slippage due to
a stuck track or to abnormally high engine
idle speed.
c. Belt disintegration-Drive belt disintegra-
tion (Figure 12) is caused by severe belt
wear or misalignment. Disintegration can
also be caused by the use of an incorrect
belt.
d. Sheared cogs-Sheared cogs (Figure 13)
are usually caused by violent drive pulley
engagement. This is an indication of a de-
fective or improperly installed drive pulley.
5. Replace a worn or damaged belt immediately.
Always carry a spare belt on your snowmobile
for emergency purposes.