What's that thing on the shaft of a longtail

[Ed-H]

I have noticed on some of the larger long tails something that appears to possibly be some sort of reservoir up near where the drive shaft attaches to the motor. Can anyone clarify what this thing is, why it is there, where one can obtain them?

[Frosty]

Every longtail is different, many engines many ideas from different regions, Malays have them too, and probably Indonesia.


The bigger ones have a heat exchanger with a pump on the front crank pully , a discharge pipe just hangs over the side.

I saw a guy just the other day attach his alternator belt while the engine was running, he has obviously done that before almost faster than the eye.

How he gets it off I have no idea.

[TeddyDiver]

Originally Posted by Frosty

I saw a guy just the other day attach his alternator belt while the engine was running, he has obviously done that before almost faster than the eye.

How he gets it off I have no idea.

Open the alternator tightening screw, turn the alternator towards the engine. Now you can place the belt, turn alternator back "out" and the new belt starts to run, tighten the screw..

ps.. count your fingers before an after. If there's a missmatch don't do it again

[Frosty]

No --he did it in a split second, decided he wanted to charge the battery, picked up the belt and popped it on. All while the engine was fast idle.

He put the belt on the double water pump pulley first then slipped it onto the alt.

I suppose he does'nt need to charge the batter all the time being a diesel and NO other electrics.

[licensedtochill]

I believe it is an oiling cup for the bearings inside of the motor to shaft adapter.

[TeddyDiver]

Originally Posted by Frosty

No --he did it in a split second, decided he wanted to charge the battery.

Might just be the alternator being loosed to turn at will allready and just the weight of it being adequate to give the friction for the belt?

[Chris Ostlind]

Originally Posted by Frosty

No --he did it in a split second, decided he wanted to charge the battery, picked up the belt and popped it on. All while the engine was fast idle.

Something like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzo6a16IZgg

I learned this trick when I worked as a VW/Porsche mechanic back in the early 70's. Crappy technique can send a screwdriver flying across the shop, or worse.

[TeddyDiver]

wow!!

[Ed-H]

Originally Posted by licensedtochill

I believe it is an oiling cup for the bearings inside of the motor to shaft adapter.

Thanks L2C, I thought that might be what it was. I seem to remember reading about some type of expansion chamber for when the lube gets heated and expands, so as not to blow out seals. Does this sound like a possibility?