M20 pulley question...

[MR 325]

So I've been doing some upgrades on my M20B25 325e and something came to mind...

As you know, the main pulleys are 2 piece. One is the vibration dampener which the alternator and water pump belt attaches to. The other piece is a 2 belt pulley for the AC and PS.

My question is this, can I run without the front pulley? Has anyone done this? I only ask because I do not run AC or power steering.

[dashboardmonkey]

I don't see any reason why you couldn't.

[jlevie]

If you have deleted the power steering and AC compressor you don't need the double sheave pulley on the crank.

[619E30]

Yeah, you don't need it if your not pulling anything on it

[MR 325]

Just wasn't sure if it was a balance issue or something.

[E30_fiend]

Matt, I took mine off almost two years ago and havent had a single problem. I like to think of it like shaving a pound off of the flywheel. Less rotational mass. Not much, no performance gain but there really isnt a need for it with neither of the compents that run on it.

One piece of advice though, put another washer on the bolts that attach to the crank. This will simulate the pulley still being there because I really dont know how much further in the bolts can go before the threads stop. Thats what I did and it was just a precaution. Its totally up to you though




Taylor

[MR 325]

Matt, I took mine off almost two years ago and havent had a single problem. I like to think of it like shaving a pound off of the flywheel. Less rotational mass. Not much, no performance gain but there really isnt a need for it with neither of the compents that run on it.

One piece of advice though, put another washer on the bolts that attach to the crank. This will simulate the pulley still being there because I really dont know how much further in the bolts can go before the threads stop. Thats what I did and it was just a precaution. Its totally up to you though




Taylor

Thanks Taylor, this confirms it.

I was planning on washers as well.

[ttrousdell]

its balanced y not