2008 S185 nonturbo. 412 total hours. Purchased 5 years ago at 250 hours. Machine's entire life since new has been pushing snow on this driveway which has 3 houses and some very steep runs. Dealer came out about 125 hours ago, and "upgraded the machine's software" and tightened the drive belt. $600 invoice for the 45 minute visit, and would cost more today. But a good dealer and I am grateful to have the dealer.
Last month required a lot of plowing: News reports say 84 to 91 inches of snow, and I think I saw the upper end of that range. Two days ago the machine gave a high-pitched noise and shut down within 20 or 30 seconds of starting. Gave code MS 514, which can be low hydraulic oil or a loose belt I think. Over past 25 hours or so machine had thrown not a lot but more than usual black stuff from the main drive belt (since I had last cleaned the area, mostly on the top surface of the fuel tank). We also had temps as low as just below zero F.
So I tightened the belt, and machine now runs normally. No codes. My question is whether I should worry that I tightened the belt too much? There wasn't much more than a half-inch of adjustment left in the groove the bolt travels in. People on Youtube talk about different points on a clock so far as the tightening apparatus but darned if I can see any marks whatsoever. My guesstimate is that the belt doesn't really seem overly tight say compared with the serpentine belt on a Ford F series V-8. I have a new belt but cannot see that it is needed.
This has been a wonderful machine. I fuss over it to an extent that brings sarcasm from family members. Neighbors up and down the highway here are very grateful that an old retired fellow doesn't mind plowing snow. Thank you for your time.
Last month required a lot of plowing: News reports say 84 to 91 inches of snow, and I think I saw the upper end of that range. Two days ago the machine gave a high-pitched noise and shut down within 20 or 30 seconds of starting. Gave code MS 514, which can be low hydraulic oil or a loose belt I think. Over past 25 hours or so machine had thrown not a lot but more than usual black stuff from the main drive belt (since I had last cleaned the area, mostly on the top surface of the fuel tank). We also had temps as low as just below zero F.
So I tightened the belt, and machine now runs normally. No codes. My question is whether I should worry that I tightened the belt too much? There wasn't much more than a half-inch of adjustment left in the groove the bolt travels in. People on Youtube talk about different points on a clock so far as the tightening apparatus but darned if I can see any marks whatsoever. My guesstimate is that the belt doesn't really seem overly tight say compared with the serpentine belt on a Ford F series V-8. I have a new belt but cannot see that it is needed.
This has been a wonderful machine. I fuss over it to an extent that brings sarcasm from family members. Neighbors up and down the highway here are very grateful that an old retired fellow doesn't mind plowing snow. Thank you for your time.
