Product Manual
CA / CT SERIES
  CAP600 
Page 
23
 of 
30
   REV B June 2012
BELT TENSION 
CAUTION: Over tightening the v-belt(s) will result in overloading of the motor, and/or belt and 
pulley failure.  A loose belt will result in an unstable speed, premature belt wear, “throwing” 
belts and a high amp draw. To change tension, turn the adjusting bolt at the end of the base, 
shown in figure 13. Retighten motor hold-down bolts. Grease both the motor and compressor 
pulleys once a year with lithium ball bearing grease. 
Proper belt tensioning requires the use of a belt tension gauge to measure belt tension. This 
tool is available at your local auto parts or hardware store. 
1
2
Fig 14 Motor mounts and take up bolt. 
B
ELT TENSIONING INSTRUCTIONS 
1.  Loosen the motor mounting bolts, but do NOT remove the nuts. See fig (12) for the 
mounting bolt locations. Do NOT attempt to adjust the take-up bolt before loosening all 
of the motor mounting bolts, attempting to do so will damage the unit. 
2.  Consult Table (7) for the appropriate deflection and tension values for Challenge Air units. 
Table (8) contains deflection and tension values for CT units. 
Model  HP 
Gage 
Deflection 
Ave
rage
Tension  Minimum
Maximum
CA E57  5  1/4"  10lb  9lb  12lb 
CA E50  5  1/4"  10lb  9lb  12lb 
CA E57  7.5  1/4"  8lb  7lb  10lb 
CA E71  10  3/8"  12lb  11lb  14lb 
CA E15  15  3/8"  11lb  10lb  13lb 
CA Gas E57
13-14  3/8"  20lb  18lb  23lb 
Table (7) Challenge Air Belt Tensioning Guide   
1
Motor Mounts 
2
Take Up Bolt 










