Small cut on new pulley's rib

[inquirer]

I'm planning to replace the crankshaft pulley of my Lancer, because the rubber ring of the one that came with the car has started to fail.

I ordered a new OE one. I noticed that one of its ribs (see attached photo) has a very small cut, that can be felt when running my fingers or nails over it.

How crucial is a small cut on the rib? Is it dangerous for the belt, if not immediately maybe in the long run?

 

[dnewton3]

While obviously not ideal, it's not a major problem.
If you have the tools (Dremel; small file) you can smooth out the edges a bit to reduce your concern.

 

[inquirer]

While obviously not ideal, it's not a major problem.
If you have the tools (Dremel; small file) you can smooth out the edges a bit to reduce your concern.

Surely, not ideal for an OE part. I guess it happened during shipping and its not a production issue.

I too believe that it's too small to cause short-term or even mid-term damage, but since belts last for many thousands of miles before need to get replaced, I'm not sure if I should ignore it and leave it as it is.

 

[Rand]

I'd smooth it out and run it.

 

[KrisZ]

It will be fine, the belt won’t even touch the upper part, which is where the damage is. The sides of the Vs do the work, not the top of them.

Besides, belts are exposed to small rocks and other debris, which doesn’t affect their function. It’s not uncommon to have many small pebbles imbedded in the old belts.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

Just take a round file, or small file to take off any bad areas. I wouldn't be concerned about that little chip, or whatever it is. Smooth it out by hand. Stick it in a vice. Sandpaper, whatever. Be gentle, that's all. I've seen belts with sand and rocks embedded in the rubber. Belts are pretty strong. Heat and mileage get to them. They glaze and crack

 

[inquirer]

I'd smooth it out and run it.

That's what I did.

It will be fine, the belt won’t even touch the upper part, which is where the damage is. The sides of the Vs do the work, not the top of them.

Besides, belts are exposed to small rocks and other debris, which doesn’t affect their function. It’s not uncommon to have many small pebbles imbedded in the old belts.

I used sandpaper to smooth the edges, just to be safe. Debris probably enter in the belt, but they don't stay there. A damaged pulley would repeatedly expose the belt to increased wear at the same spot. Of course, maybe a small chip wouldn't really cause considerable damage, but I decided to play on the safe side.

Just take a round file, or small file to take off any bad areas. I wouldn't be concerned about that little chip, or whatever it is. Smooth it out by hand. Stick it in a vice. Sandpaper, whatever. Be gentle, that's all. I've seen belts with sand and rocks embedded in the rubber. Belts are pretty strong. Heat and mileage get to them. They glaze and crack

I already used sandpaper. It did the job.

 

[inquirer]

It will be fine, the belt won’t even touch the upper part, which is where the damage is. The sides of the Vs do the work, not the top of them.

I changed the pulley today. Taking into account that the paint was totally removed from the ribs of the old pulley, including the top of them, I would say that the belt makes contact with the top of the ribs.