I've had my Unorthodox pulley set for about 21k miles now. So far no problems, but I've been doing some reading lately and it has me spooked. For one, the wise one himself "TOO" denounced using solid crank pullies. Another, I've found a couple of web pages documenting their installs to later have updates telling about the horror of finding their bearings having harsh wear and oil pumps worn to uselessness after around 25k miles of usage with solid crank pullies. I suppose Unorthodox is getting complaints now as well since I've noticed they added their response/defense to these complaints on their site. Has anyone here taken apart their engine and notice any of the abnormal wear I'm speaking of? Any inputs? I know this has been talked about awhile ago, but everyone was throwing off their theories and/or beliefs. I'm looking for hard facts. Thanks.

 

I spun my #3 rod bearing on the main crank - necessitating a full teardown. I have been contemplating running lighter pulleys, but since Honda motors really don't have harmonic balancers - I figured Honda kept the weight in there for a reason - and as such I have been running the stock pulleys. FWIW I would say if that 2-3 whp that pulleys are that important to you - go ahead - but if you want to really have a smooth running bomb-proof motor - the entire rotating assembly should be re-balanced as a whole.

 

I have a UR lightend and balanced crank pulley for the B18c (PS rib removed). The motor was put in the car last Nov with 27k miles and on 8/10/01 the #4 rod bearing spun. I drive pretty normal on the raods and have been on the track a few times. The motor is completly apart and I had to replace the crank due to major scoring on the journal. Was it the crank pulley? I don't know for sure but it won't be going back on my motor!!

HTH,

 

From prior experience with domestics. Crank pulleys are better left alone. Unless you're installing an OEM Honda CTR N1 crank pulley. Otherwise, leave it alone!!!

 

Keep in mind that the CTR N1 pulley was probably intended for engines that would be rebuilt often!

 

Thanks for all the replies! I've already had decided to take out the pulley to be on the safe side (R's a daily driver), but it's nice to have some proof for my decision especially when I don't want to dismantle my engine to find out. Now, anyone want a UR crank pulley! j/k Big Phat R, nice name, man. ****, now I gotta borrow a compressor and impact gun. haha

 

I have seen no unusual bearing wear after 50k+ miles.

 

Stephen, I didn't know you had the UR crank pulley in your setup. You of all people would know since you always have your engine apart. Have you really been using the UR stuff for 50+k miles? I remember you blowing up a lot of motors in the past, so you never had to rebuild the bottom?

 

I had the 3 belt pulley for about 30k miles then overhauled the motor, no wear
on the bearings. Then with the new motor I switched to the 1 belt pulley and used
that for about 55k miles and recently pulled the bearings out to check and no
unusual wear.

Now I put the AC back in so I gotta get another 3 belt pulley and machine the PS
part off. Anybody wanna sell me one for cheap???

 

Thanks, Stephen. I'll give it a shot and see what happens, the car will eventually be a track car anyway. If the bearings look weird to me in the future, I'll hunt you down in VA. j/k

 

Hehe, I feel like a bitch for changing my mind so quick. But Stephen's had his engine apart a lot and I know he would know for sure. Not to mention, he's probably covered more mileage in the R than most. Thanks again for all the replies, guys!

 

Interesting,

I'm running the 3 belt UR Crank pulley with no PS and no AC. It's balanced to the motor, but from Trey's experience that may not help

Could it just be luck, or is there something different that Steve does that others haven't?

I had a stock GSR pulley balanced to my crank as well, so I could switch to that. I'd hate to take any power away though...

FB

 

If you are not using the ac or ps, then i would recommend you get the race
single belt pulley. Its quite nice

 

Truer words were never spoken

 

Don't know, guess I'll find out later. Hopefully, not soon. Hmm, that extended warranty is looking good now. haha

 

What about those kits that only include the alternator and p/s pulley (like AEM)? Are those harmful as well? I'm assuming no, but would like to get a confirmation from somebody.

 

No, only the crank pulley is in question. OEM accessory pulleys are solid like the aftermarket ones.

 

sgT, Im looking to buy the 1 belt pulley. Wanna trade for my 3 belt pulley plus some $$$$

 

If i didnt need to hold onto it i would.

 

Steve,

If you can wait about 3-4 weeks, I'll sell you mine CHEAP.

 

Just say when. I'm in no hurry.