I own a 38 Open with Cummins 450's. The engine installation has the front of the engines very close to the forward bulkhead. With the belt guards in place inspection of the belts is difficult and replacement would seem almost impossible. Can anyone shed some light on when it does come time for replacement this is best accomplished?
I have attempted to remove the guards for a clearer view of the belts but I haven't suceeded yet.
on my cats 3116 the belt guards are also very close to the bulkheads. The mechanic that I use when things are very tight or difficult removed the guards and decided to not put them back. Nobody fits in front of the belts and there is nothing that can interfere with the belts while the engines are running. I went ahead and changed the belts and saved the used ones in case of an emergency. After 50 hours of use they should be adjusted. Everytime that I check my engines I am able to look at the belts without having the guards in the middle.