Did you know Super Late Model fan belts slip twice on every lap?

By Fergus Ogilvy:

To prove or disprove it, simply examine the coating on the water pump and crank pulleys. If the coating on the working surfaces has vanished, the belt is slipping—probably chronically.

Most Super Late Models, in common with IMCA Modifieds, encounter belt slippage every lap as the engine instantly decelerates on each straightaway, resulting in fan deceleration from around 7,800 to 3,500rpm—a tumultuous event that erupts during a period of one to two seconds.

Pump and pulley maker KRC knew that replacing the GM 4-blade fan was unrealistic, but a more effective belt arrangement might resolve the problem. So they collaborated with belt manufacturer Continental, which has resulted in a new 10-rib belt and pulley assembly (PN: KIT16122600) that offers 100 percent more surface contact than previously available.

Importantly, the new 10-rib belt is constructed with Kevlar cords and unlike the Gatorback, dispenses with the familiar cross-cut in the interest of greater belt strength.

“Driving the fan has not been the problem,” says KRC’s Ken Roper, “slowing it down in an instant is the cause of belt slippage and belt stretch. The deceleration forces are usually more than a five- or six-rib serpentine belt system can control. Belt slippage and belt stretch are the most prominent causes of belt replacement.”

Installation of the new 10-rib assembly is also an enlightening process. The crank pulley features a rectangular slot at its center and works in conjunction with an R-lok mechanism. The R-lok is a concentric, triangular interlocking innovation that accommodates a pulley, or a stack of pulleys that operate precisely on a common center. For further instructions and technical drawings click here.

New 10-rib serpentine drive systems for IMCA Dirt Modified race cars will be available January 2016.

Visit KRC at the 2015 PRI Show – booth numbers 1705 and 3921

Further background

The GM 4-blade fan with its 2.250in pitch has long been at the center of the cooling system of most Super Late Models. Its substantial pitch ensures that it consumes ample engine power—around 48hp at the rear wheels. Bizarrely, the four-blade fan was originally supplied on Oldsmobiles of the late 1970s under GM part 405442 that displayed a sticker stating Do not exceed 3,500rpm!

For further information contact:

KRC Power
2115 Barrett Pk. Dr.
Kennesaw GA 30144-3680
(770) 422-5135
KRCpower.com