Can I clean oil off a V-belt?

pennwalk · Jan 6, 2011

I have a project GT 275. I lent it to a neighbor to tow a small cart to haul firewood. The v-belt that drives thew hydrostatic came off the tensioning idlers yesterday. I got it put back but I noticed that the belt was coated with dirt and oil. The engine was leaking oil when I got it. Would it be a waste of time to take it off and clean it. If not what should I use to clean the belt.

Chris

Markcuda · Jan 6, 2011

Use some brake cleaner or carburetor cleaner on it.
That stuff evaporates real fast.

sixdogs · Jan 6, 2011

Markcuda said:
Use some brake cleaner or carburetor cleaner on it.
That stuff evaporates real fast.

Waay back we did like above with a solvent and the re-installed the belt. Then, with the engine running we held a bar of soap against the "V" part of the belt. For whatever reason, belts that had residual oil would not slip or squeak.

Markcuda · Jan 6, 2011

There are tons of brand name brake cleaners on the market, this is what I use.
For me, it is very easy to find.

CurlyDave · Jan 6, 2011

I would try paint thinner before I used brake cleaner.

Paint thinner is a less aggressive solvent and is less likely to deteriorate the rubber.

If paint thinner fails and the choice is brake cleaner of throw it away, try the brake cleaner.

I would use the pray on belt dressing instead of soap to increase the grip.

pennwalk · Jan 7, 2011

The reason I am being a cheap skate is that the new belt is $42 and I am not sure I have all the oil leaks fixed. Oil was definitely running out of the oil pressure sender but it is pretty common for these engines to leak from the crank seal. I just need to run it enough to see if it is still leaking. No sense in ruining another belt.

Chris

jonyyuma · Jan 7, 2011

Assuming a vertical crankshaft engine?If this is Briggs stratton engine, a lot of them loosen the crankcase bolts along the sides just from running. You might pull the engine, and tighten them to slow the flow of oil. I would look to see if it is coming from the lower shaft seal first?This might slow the flow of oil to the belt, then clean it? Jy.