I agree with all you findings Michael H, I found pretty much the same. I arrived at a belt tension of abut 5/8" to 3/4" deflection at the lower mid point with a 10lbs push on the belt. A little tighter and the belt was noisy, less and it made a turbine like noise on acceleration. Alignment of the rear wheel and the belt are also critical, as you also found. I gave the belt and drive gears a good soapy water clean at the same time. I suggest about 15 or 20 ml. of Liqui Moly MoS2, or equivalent, in the bevel gearbox oil as well as it seems to have quietened my BB down a fair bit and cannot do any harm. We may sort out the last 10% of this kit car yet?
Am really looking forward to the sorting thing. I am going to rack this puppy again and tweak it for all its worth! Am so close! but just not there... sigh
It is so much worth it when it does work! I don't mind hearing the bevel box whine or the tranny or the cush block or the valves tapping away as they are the charm of the whole thing.
I am under a great deal of pressure as there is an Antique Car Show in Manchester, Vermont and there is a great deal of old iron on the roads. There has also been a rather extensive motorcycle rally all week as well as various rides for various causes. This is Riding Time! "Tis the season!
I talk to riders about my tales of woe and they commiserate, say nice things and nod sagely...
Still a little bit grousing about being a beta tester!
I still wouldn't miss it for the world! This thing is a hoot. It encourages Hoonish behavior! What is wrong with that!
