Stampede4ever

I'm almost done, but my question is, a guy I work with says I should put something on my compressor to adjust the belt tension, besides using the slots in the electric motor mount, and using myself to adjust the tension on the belts. Do I really need to do this? I've looked at alot of compressors and only one had way to adjust the tension other then slots in the mounting plate.

Thanks.

BADD SS

iTrader: (4)

Slots are the only way I'm familiar with. What did you use for a tank??

Stampede4ever

Well, I bought two tanks, ones a Craftsman 60 gal, that had a broken rod, and the other is an old, and I mean old horz. compressor tank.

Thanks.

Camaroholic

iTrader: (1)

I would just use the slots. Keep it simple.

jmd

iTrader: (4)

serpentine belt setup w/ pulleys and tensioner from a Ford.

redbandit98

iTrader: (13)

a tensioner on the belt? just use the slots thats what they are there for.

Stampede4ever

I was also thinking that using a tensionor would put more stress on the motor and compressor shafts, bearings, ect.

Thanks.

Camaroholic

iTrader: (1)

I could see using a tensioner with a higher horsepower setup, where you want to get maximum wrap on the pulleys along with a tight belt, so you don't get slippage.

But for a "normal" compressor (5 true horsepower or less), I wouldn't worry about it. What size motor/pump are you running?

Silverback

heh, I actually did that with my alternator welder...

Stampede4ever

It's a 5hp 21amp motor, and the compressor is a HF two piston, 13CFM @ 90, and 15CFM @ 40.

Thanks.

Camaroholic

iTrader: (1)

That's about the same as my Ingersoll-Rand compressor, and it doesn't have a tensioner, only the slots (22A motor, ~15 cfm, 2 stage / 150 psi).

redbandit98

iTrader: (13)

we have motors that are 150 horse that have v belts and pullies and no tensioners. I think the guy is smoking some of the good stuff.

WS6FirebirdTA00

iTrader: (33)

yeah, a tensioner is not needed. The only reason they are installed on packages is for maintenance reduction and to keep a constant belt tension over time.

You need to be careful with how tight you get the belt. There are specifications for pumps and motors for the amount of side load bearings can handle. What kind of pump is it and what kind of motor? On a typical 5 hp setup, you probably only want about 8cm deflection with 5-8 lbs force IIRC.