Hey, all

I recently snapped my SC belt driving down the highway. It took out the vacuum line and did some wiring damage. I brought the car to a reputable shop and they assessed the front end for additional damage before performing repairs. When the belt snapped, I was running VAP’s Stg2 set-up. Chris, Stuart, and I aren’t sure why the belt snapped. This has never happened after just 3yrs so we’re guessing debris is to blame. Either way, with the belt off I decided to go Stg3 (add VAP’s upper pulley). Immediately after the install (performed by the same shop), the car sounded fine but after a few spirited pulls I’ve found a squeaking noise coming from the belt area, which has now graduated to a ticking of sorts. We’re running the 1485 belt (maybe too loose?) but will be installing the 1470 this week to see if that clears it up. I’ll keep you posted on takeaways and please jump in if you have ideas.

Thanks,
Rick

 

You can achieve where the ticking noise is coming from by using an Auto Mechanics Stethoscope but be careful in using it on moving parts

 

A forum member with an older VAP pulley had a ticking sound that took him forever to figure out, but he finally discovered the SC crank pulley had cracked. He mentioned having to X-ray the pulley.

 

The shop just installed VAP’s newer griptech pulley. I suppose it’s possible that they overheated it and caused it to crack? I’m really hoping the new tighter belt resolves it…maybe too much play in the tensioner at the moment. I’ve read elsewhere that a belt snap has caused damage to the crank pulley…the only pulley left that hasn’t been replaced since the belt snapped. After running the car on a sprint, the noise got much worse (like a pulley was going to fly off the car). Popped the hood but all looked fine. Then 5mins down the road (after driving gingerly), the noise completely disappeared. I know the belt tightens when you punch it, then upon throttle release it may have popped back and started rubbing something? Or a rib slipped before correcting itself? The subtle tick returned though…

I’ve also seen that the SC snout coupler goes bad. All things I’m running down but will keep you posted.

 

Turns out the crank pulley was damaged when the belt snapped. I’m now running VAP’s Stg3 set-up (with 1470 belt) and everything is running pristine. Shop had no issues fitting the 1470 for what it’s worth. And man, Stg3 (along with VAP/girodisc rotors) rips! Can definitely feel the improved acceleration, weight reduction and improved braking. I also say all of this running the car at 5200ft…can’t imagine if she was still in DC. Shout-out to the VAP guys (Stuart/Chris) for the always unmatched customer service.