Getting prepared to change the belts on my 749s 2004 model. How do I hold the tensioning nut, as the pulley has a flange and therefore I can't use a spanner, and were I able to get a very thin walled socket on the nut, how would I then tighten the 'Fuji 'nut. Never done this before, done my 2V though. All advice appreciated.
Unfortunately not. There is not enough clearance between the outside of the large nut and the internal diameter of the pulley. There must be some kind of special tool methinks for this. The Ducatitech.com u tube video's show the mechanic using a large adjustable spanner to hold the nut, but I have a flange on the pulley which prevents that technique!
Just realized the u tube video's pulley also has a flange ( must sharpen myself up ) and the mechanic is using the tips of the adjustable spanner to turn the nut! Seen here:Ducatitech.com: Ducati 749/999 Timing Belt Change Part 2 - YouTube
The "factory" tool is a ring spanner that has been ground flat to better engagement. tbh, it works well enough on the front, but is a PITA on the rear. I use a sturdy pair of circlip pliers and locate into two of the three holes in the face of the hex.... a doddle on the front, a little fiddly at first on the rear, but you'll pick it up.
Thanks Chris The pulley's shown in that video seem to be different from the ones' fitted to my bike. The ring spanner would have to have very thin walls to enable fitting into the pulley's recess. But seems that your chap has managed it, very possibly I'm wrong thinking that a ring spanner won't fit.
Ahh Thanks Neil. The circlip plier technique makes more sense to me, even if it is fiddly. Fiddly I'm used to!
I am going to 'attempt' changing the belts on my 848 ready for the season ahead. The only videos that I have seen are for the 916/999's so not exactly sure if the 848 is any different. What I did find was a 'belt tension app' for the iphone. It is made by Gates who actually manufacturer the Ducati timing belts so 'should' be more accurate that a guitar tuner app. Tested it with an elastic band at different tensions and it does appear to be quite good. It is called 'Gates Carbon Drive' if anyone wants to take a look. Was in the local Ducati dealer yesterday and their 'official' Ducati tool is very similar, 110hz I was told by the tech. Oh and the parts guy told me to just reuse the tensioner nuts as they 'don't keep them' as they are £12.78 each plus vat ????? Did'nt sound right to me mind.
Quote from the Ducatitech site. The 'Fuji' nuts loose something like 30% of their clamping efficiency after first use, and something like 60% on second use, and after third use they are same as normal nut.( can't recall exact figures quoted , but the gist of it is that their effectiveness declines after using them!
Downloaded that app for the iPhone ,seems an easier to use one than my Pc one,if its accurate it makes my next belt change less hassle thanks
I thought this was a great idea too as I was thinking of checking the tension of mine last year. I downloaded a few different apps as I wanted to measure how stupid loud my exhaust was and each app had totally different readings for just about everything. I would go down the microphone/laptop route unless you know you have an app that you trust. Try a few and see for yourself. Might be ok.
I tried a couple of apps on my iPhone, both very close. They I tried a decent microphone on my laptop and again, very, very close, so I'm happy with the accuracy (and ease) of the iPhone app!
Not tried the app yet but will do for comparison one day, I was advised by a very reputable mechanic to use the 5mm method if I hadn't got access to anything else to check and I find it easy and repeatable every time. Steve
