Serp Belt and Idler. Abnormal Wear? Debris Hit? PICS

[Vanagon Nut]

Hi folks.

For an inline 4 VW gas engine in a Vanagon.

I don't see anything interfering with the idler. Belt has ~ 7000 miles. Saw flaw at belt first then mark on the idler.

When plastic idlers start to wear, does the plastic start to "frag" out?

I'd guess the bearings would wear out first though.

My guess is something hit the belt and idler but if the idler plastic is failing due to age....

Thanks

Neil.

serp belt wear

mark on idler. I don't see any other marks.... yet

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1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[82westyrabbit]

Hi Niel. I agree that is probably mechanical damage. My van only has a few thousand miles on it since I finished it and my belt looks like brand new and the belts on my truck have only been changed once in 180000 thousand miles. John

[Vanagon Nut]

Hey John.

Thanks for that.

The roller has belt wear; it has a "raised" lip at edge where mark is and that edge shows a slight amount of odd looking wear. It almost looks a little frail, for lack of better term. Anyhow.....

The bearings are a little noisy too so I replaced that roller with a good used one.

Neil.
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1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[82westyrabbit]

I installed a new roller when I finished up my engine installation because of a noisy bearing as well. I think you drive on worse roads than I do and just picked up a rock or something. I did drive through a few fields to camp at music festivals (the vans primary purpose). John

[Vanagon Nut]

[82westyrabbit]

Hi Neil. Some sort of skid plate has been on my list but I doubt I will get that far. It’s always good to see someone use a project after they finish it if there is such a thing as finished. John