CouesWhitetail Report post Posted July 9, 2013 Our evaporative cooler has been a real pain this year. If it's not the copper tubing leaking it's the pulley falling off. I can't seem to figure out how to keep the pulley from falling off. It's done this before and we just keep putting the slider bar back in and tightening the set screw. Sometimes it holds sometimes it doesn't. I bought a new bar and set screw today and it still fell apart about a minute after turning it on. I put it all back together and it's working now, but I am looking for any kind of tricks of the trade that someone might know to keep the bar from falling out and therefore causing the pulley to fall off. Hopefully you guys know what parts I am talking about. The people at Ace Hardware said I am doing it all correctly, but dang it, I want a permanent fix. I am afraid to use locktite or glue of some kind in case we really need to take the thing apart some time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted July 9, 2013 The slider bar I am talking about is about 1 inch long and slides between the pulley and the motor arm. The set screw pushes up against the bar to hold it in place but there is not indent or anything on the bar. It's flat bar against flat screw edge. Just the pressure is supposed to keep them together. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bonecollector Report post Posted July 9, 2013 Blue locktite. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Outdoor Writer Report post Posted July 9, 2013 Be sure BOTH belt pulleys are lined up perpendicular so the belt isn't at any angle, which migh produce a vibration. If the key (bar) doesn't have a concave little area where the set screw contacts it, try making one. First, put it all together with a bit of lipstick on the tip of the set screw that you lightly tighten until it touches the bar. Next, you can take either drill with a bit or a roto tool with an abrasive SMALL tip that will etch metal right at the lipstick mark. It doesn't have to be very deep. Put everything back together. The only other problem could be the threads in the pulley. If they are a bit stripped, the set screw will work its way out more easily with the vibrations. In this case, it could be enlarged a bit and retapped for a bigger set scew. Or, as suggested, use Loctite on the screw. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
THE RIFLEMAN Report post Posted July 9, 2013 Be sure BOTH belt pulleys are lined up perpendicular so the belt isn't at any angle, which migh produce a vibration. If the key (bar) doesn't have a concave little area where the set screw contacts it, try making one. First, put it all together with a bit of lipstick on the tip of the set screw that you lightly tighten until it touches the bar. Next, you can take either drill with a bit or a roto tool with an abrasive SMALL tip that will etch metal right at the lipstick mark. It doesn't have to be very deep. Put everything back together. The only other problem could be the threads in the pulley. If they are a bit stripped, the set screw will work its way out more easily with the vibrations. In this case, it could be enlarged a bit and retapped for a bigger set scew. Or, as suggested, use Loctite on the screw. +1 on what Tony says! On another note why dosn't one of your local members get off there behinds and help U....!? I believe you live in the Globe or Superior area and I am shure there is a handyman experienced member or two up there! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted July 9, 2013 Thanks! All good ideas! I have been trying to make sure the pulleys are lined up properly to avoid vibration. Maybe the threading is worn and the set screw backs out just enough....locktite might work as a first step. I have some blue locktite on hand I believe. Good idea Tony on making a slight indent in the bar. Only problem is I don't have any lipstick!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted July 9, 2013 Be sure BOTH belt pulleys are lined up perpendicular so the belt isn't at any angle, which migh produce a vibration. If the key (bar) doesn't have a concave little area where the set screw contacts it, try making one. First, put it all together with a bit of lipstick on the tip of the set screw that you lightly tighten until it touches the bar. Next, you can take either drill with a bit or a roto tool with an abrasive SMALL tip that will etch metal right at the lipstick mark. It doesn't have to be very deep. Put everything back together. The only other problem could be the threads in the pulley. If they are a bit stripped, the set screw will work its way out more easily with the vibrations. In this case, it could be enlarged a bit and retapped for a bigger set scew. Or, as suggested, use Loctite on the screw. +1 on what Howie says! On another note why dosn't one of your local members get off there behinds and help U....!? I believe you live in the Globe or Superior area and I am shure there is a handyman experienced member or two up there! yeah, maybe I need a list of local members and I can just push a button and have them come running whenever I need something !! LOL! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twigsnapper Report post Posted July 9, 2013 You might also change the set screw. Usually they are flat on the end that tightens against the shaft like this: If you change to a pointed one it will hold better but it can also scar up the shaft if it work loose. If the pointed screw backs out I would then go with blue lock tite. ACE Hardware has a good assortment of set screws. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted July 9, 2013 Ace is where I got the new set screw.....but I didn't know they had those pointed ones. I like that idea!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cbryant11 Report post Posted July 10, 2013 Does the pulley fit tight on the shaft it could have worn the shaft down causing the pulley to not stay tied on there Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dzell Report post Posted July 10, 2013 Tighten the set screw then loosen it just a little and then tighten back down it helps the set screw grip the shaft Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hunterjohnny Report post Posted July 10, 2013 What they all said! Start with cleaning those threads real good and putting your locktite on, bet that does it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildwoody Report post Posted July 10, 2013 try the way we tighten electrical connection by tightening shack it and tighten again. or drill a hole using a smaller bit then the screw so you don't scar the threads then tighten and use that lock tight. good luck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muleskinner Report post Posted July 10, 2013 If u can bite the bullet on the upfront expense, refrigerated air would be the best fix. When u consider the water, the pads, the pump, the belt, the pulleys, and the poor indoor air quality, refrigerated air is a better bet in the long run. When the monsoons come and the humidity goes up, that swamp cooler just don't cut it! Yes, I own an HVAC business but I don't have a monetary interesting in this one. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muledeerarea33? Report post Posted July 10, 2013 My wife and I live in an 800 sq ft guest house while I'm trying to finish building our main home. 2400 sq ft I bought a 300 dollar window unit A/C unit, built it into the wall and it works great!! I don't know much about home a/c but I'd go the a/c route if its in the budget. A few window units or a whole house unit is cheaper in the long run than an old swampy. We don't run it often but when we do its nice lol. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
