I have had many broken belts and tensiors in my one year (I think about 8). I have noticed each time I get a new belt I lose about 1.5psi for about 3 weeks or 1500 miles. Once I hit 1500 miles, I gain the 2psi back. It seems like there is some sort of coating on a new belt that makes the belt slip until it is broken in. Is this just me?
M

 

what kind of belts have you been using. 8 seems rediculous to me!

btw: i have 15,000 miles on ONE belt with my 19% and have yet to replace a tensioner.

 

I have had, napa, gates, JCW, OEM. I have gone through 3 lighten pulley, 1 05 pulley and an 04 pulley. Not to mention 5 tensiors. I'm nervous to drive my car out of town.

 

Thats insane. I just replaced my belt after 40K miles (which I wouldn't recommend waiting that long). Did you install your pulley yourself? Did you check to see if everything is lined up right while the car is running?

 

That doesn't sound good. I would suspect that either there is something consistently wrong with the installations, the bolts are screwed up or the pulley shaft or SC is screwed up somehow.

 

Wow. 8?

I tend to beat on my car when I can. I'm on my 2nd napa after my oem. 40k on the odo. I haven't noticed any real difference when i put a new belt on.

 

Along the same lines, I'm curious if I should be concerned: I got my 15% pulley at 16k miles, and I'm just about to hit 30k. Should I get my belt replaced before a do a track day in a couple weeks or will I be fine? The guy who installed it said I should replace the belt every 16k miles with the new pulley and it's already close.

 

I have had everything looked at multiple times by 3 different mechanics. Now I have added the Detroit Tuned Tensioner Stop, so if the belt does break again at least it won't distroy my pulley and tensioner. It has been 3 weeks of hard driving and so far so good.

 

I agree that seems VERY extreme, especially after replacing the tensioner. We would all agree that checking the tension, and condition of the belt (along with a plethora of other things) prior to a track event is an EXCELLENT idea. No fun being stuck with a busted belt at the track!

Belts should last longer than 16K and closer to 50K. Earlier models 2002-03 were more prone to belt breakage and wear. Also, when replacing a tensioner, order one for a later model to be sure to get the latest revision.

Good luck!

adam@altaminiperformance.com

 

So are the tensioners the same for all years?
Can I put an 06 on my 04 MCS? Is it really much different?
Thanks

 

I belive that early cars have a tensioner that was more prone to issues. I believe all years are interchangable. If you can get the newest one. I would ASSUME that MINI puts the latest variant in the replacement parts bin, but can't always be sure.