How to Align the Sheave to the Flywheel and Set Proper V-Belt Tension

Summary

This video demonstrates how to properly align the compressor flywheel with the motor sheave and set the correct V-belt tension for optimal performance. The process involves removing the belt guard, loosening the motor, confirming alignment between the flywheel and motor sheave, adjusting the sheave and hub as needed, and reinstalling the belts with the correct tension. The procedure ensures minimal wear and maximum motor efficiency. Safety precautions and the use of specific tools are emphasized, and the video highlights the importance of consulting the installation manual for detailed instructions and maintenance schedules.

Takeaways

• 😀 Proper alignment of the compressor flywheel with the motor sheave is crucial to ensure optimal motor efficiency and minimize wear.
• 😀 Always refer to the installation, operation, and maintenance manual (item IE10) for detailed guidance and maintenance schedules.
• 😀 Safety is a priority: ensure all procedures comply with applicable local codes and safety standards and only qualified personnel perform maintenance.
• 😀 Tools required for alignment and tension adjustment include a ratchet socket set, box wrenches, a straightedge, Allen wrenches, and a ruler.
• 😀 The first step in alignment is removing the belt guard, which is secured by five bolts—two at each end and one at the inside bottom.
• 😀 Loosen the nuts holding the motor to the slide base, allowing movement for easy belt removal, and adjust the motor position to loosen belt tension.
• 😀 The alignment of the flywheel and sheave should be checked by measuring the distance from a straightedge to the grooves on both parts.
• 😀 If alignment is off, adjust the sheave position by loosening the bolts and moving the sheave inward, if necessary, using the threaded pulling holes.
• 😀 Use an Allen wrench to adjust the hub's position on the motor shaft, ensuring the distance from the motor shaft to the hub face is accurate.
• 😀 After adjusting alignment and tension, ensure the belts are snug and check that the motor pulley is square with the compressor flywheel using a straightedge.
• 😀 Reinstall the belt guard and tighten the five bolts to secure it, completing the alignment and tensioning procedure successfully.

Q & A

Why is it important to properly align the compressor flywheel and motor sheave?

Proper alignment minimizes wear on the belts, maximizes motor efficiency, and ensures the compressor operates smoothly and safely.

What tools are required for aligning the compressor flywheel and setting the belt tension?

The tools required include a ratchet socket set, box wrenches (sizes vary), a known straightedge (at least 3 feet), Allen wrenches, and a ruler.

What should be done before performing any maintenance on the compressor?

Before performing any maintenance, the installation, operation, and maintenance manual should be reviewed, and all safety precautions should be observed.

How do you remove the belt guard on the compressor assembly?

To remove the belt guard, you need to remove five bolts: two on each end and one at the inside bottom facing the compressor.

What should you do to loosen the belt tension before removing the belts?

Loosen the motor mounting nuts and adjust the motor slide base by turning the adjustment bolts counterclockwise to move the motor closer to the compressor.

What is the purpose of using a straightedge during alignment?

A straightedge helps measure the distance between the edges of the V-belt grooves on the flywheel and sheave, ensuring proper alignment of the two components.

How much should the sheave move inward for proper alignment if it’s out of position?

If the sheave is not aligned, it needs to be moved inward by 1/8 inch to align the grooves properly.

What should be measured when adjusting the sheave and hub position?

Measure the distance from the motor shaft to the face of the hub before loosening the set screw and adjust accordingly to align the sheave with the flywheel.

What is the tolerance range for the alignment between the flywheel and sheave?

The alignment tolerance should be within plus or minus 1/16 of an inch.

How can you check if the motor's sheave is square with the flywheel?

Measure the distance from the straightedge to the face of the pulley at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions. If the measurements are different, adjust the motor to make the pulley square with the flywheel.

What is the typical belt tension range for V-belts?

The typical belt tension range should be between 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch of movement for each belt when pressed.