Indigo Electronics Atomic 4 Belt Tensioning Device
Original Design
As originally built, the Atomic 4 engine was not equipped with any means of adjusting belt tension. Brute force or some sort of "jury rig" was used instead. As a result, it was very difficult to obtain the proper belt tension. This problem becomes more of an issue when the Indigo Fresh Water Cooling pump is added or a high output alternator is installed.
Indigo Design
What is it? - The guiding principle behind the new Indigo design is a simple, convenient, and effective means of adjusting belt tension. A very simple jacking mechanism has been developed to allow for proper belt tensioning in even confined locations. Shown below are views of the device as installed.
|
|
|
How Does it Work? - The existing bolt that locks the alternator in position relative to the adjusting arm is removed. A longer bolt is installed and then the Indigo Belt Tensioning Device is installed on this new bolt such that the short leg of the device is above the upper end of the adjusting arm. The new nut and lockwasher are screwed onto the new longer bolt but not fully tightened. The adjusting bolt in the Tensioning Device device is then screwed in until it contacts the top of the adjusting arm. Further turning of the adjusting bolt will thus lift the alternator relative to the adjusting arm. The alternator is then lifted to properly tension the belt. Once the belt is properly tensioned, the new nut and lockwasher are fully tightened to lock the alternator in place.
|
 |