Hey Guys, I have been surfing these forums for awhile, ever since I wanted to buy a skid steer and then when I had questions and now finally, I have my own dilemma. I have a Case 1816 (not B or C) that has been repowered with a 20hp Onan years back. Bought it not running from a family friend for cheap knowing it had issues with a belt. Well, since then, I have replaced all the chains, had new keyways cut, and installed new bearings and seals. Also got the levers adjusted. The last thing I am fighting is my right side pump melting/shredding belts! To date, I have gone through 8 belts trying to diagnose the issue. At first I thought it was just a cable adjustment issue (this is a manual lever engagement, not electric or centrifugal clutch). I adjusted them in and out, tried a size smaller and a size bigger belt. Currently I am running a pair of A30/4L320 belts. I was told this is a size smaller than stock, but I have them adjusted enough to disengage. The pulley on the right side (issue side) is a tapered bushing sheave. I had to grind the sheave down on the side I am having issues with because it was hitting the engine pulley when disengaged. I have over and over again tried setting up the pulleys for proper alignment. Its as good as it gets. I also checked for angularity and it is better than the other side that has no problems! I don't think the belt is slipping because, with the clutch engaged, the belt feels very tight. Could it be too tight??? As soon as I start the thing up with a fresh belt, it starts smelling like rubber and starts smoking within 1 min of just idling. I can post pictures and video if needed. PLEASE HELP! I have sunk days worth of work and have easily had the engine out over a dozen times. PS, I am running cheap D&D rubber v belts off amazon prime for 4 dollars… I would blame the belt but the left side belt still is the first one I put on it!
1816 Belt Melting!
- Thread starter nheine
- Start date
Hey thanks for the reply, I will double check how the belt is riding on the pulleys. I will take some better pictures as well.
I had 1816C and had same problem. Most likely it looks like you are using wrong belts. Best if you will buy service manual and check for belt number. Once you find it you will get much closer. I adjust both drive pulleys for the middle position so when it's disengaged it will make little noise. Once you engage the drive both should have same tightness. My problem was that lever was to lose. I tide it a lot and it helped because that one line is engaging both pulleys. Also I got proper belt from autozone but you need to know the belt number. So far their belts work best for me.
So a bit of an update. I noticed the pulley on the pump (the side burning belts) was a bit wider than the rest. Turns out it has a pulley (not original) for 4L/5L belts. I replaced it with the correct diameter smaller width pulley. I put everything back together and started her up. After a bit it started smelling and smoking a belt but now its the belt on the other side! I could barely touch the belt after 30 sec of running. I am convinced now that I just have the manual cable clutch wayyy to tight and some how burning the belts. Like, I almost have to use two hands to engage the belts. I dont have a spring scale so I cannot check the actual tension per the manual but they are TIGHT. So the next time I get a chance, I am going to put some slack into the system to see if that fixes it.
