what tool to use to cut away a schroud?

sluggo · Post by **sluggo** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 10:58 am

I need to change the belt on my genny. I have concluded to do this, I need to take off the schroud. but the schround basically is bulk headed in there. So I think I need to cut it away. It is sheet metal, maybe an 1/8 3/16" thick. I was thinking about using my dremel tool, but I dont know if it si big enough or what 'blade' to use.
a sawzall I cant fit down there, a tip snips, I think the metal is too thick.

anyone done this? any ideas? is there another way to get the schroud out with out cutting it??

thanks!

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 6:41 pm

photo ?...I wouldn't want to loose a safety shield. What could that belt hurt if it ever broke ?

sluggo · Post by **sluggo** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:34 pm

alexander38 wrote:photo ?...I wouldn't want to loose a safety shield. What could that belt hurt if it ever broke ?

I dont disagree but whatelse can I do? the genny is behind the engines, and I guess they could hit the mufflers and the trim tab pump.

My goal is to cut it in such a way that I can replace 90% of it.

jefflaw35 · Post by **jefflaw35** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:52 pm

do you have access to air? maybe a pancake portable compressor? If you or someone could laydown and gain access in the hole, you could use a small grinder or cutting wheel to cut the bolt heads off and reattach with heavy duty zip straps through the holes, just a thought, my tools are small and for tight spaces

jefflaw35 · Post by **jefflaw35** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:53 pm

sorry we are talking about a belt cage right? you just need access to the belt and adjustment?

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 5:07 am

sluggo wrote:
alexander38 wrote:photo ?...I wouldn't want to loose a safety shield. What could that belt hurt if it ever broke ?
I dont disagree but whatelse can I do? the genny is behind the engines, and I guess they could hit the mufflers and the trim tab pump.

My goal is to cut it in such a way that I can replace 90% of it.

good ideal, is this a Onan 6.5 ? You may have to remove some stuff around it to get to the 4 bolts that hold it. It'll be a pain for sure but worth it in the long run. Then you can cut it in key spots to allow for changing and adjustments.

koviak · Post by **koviak** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 6:50 am

I did cut the bottom 3 inches off of mine for this reason. Best way is to take all 6 bolts out on the genny mount and raise the front. This will allow cover to come off. I used a cutting wheel on my 4inch grinder. Sanded cover and painted. Can now be removed easly. Genny is heavy 427 lbs so be careful.

todd brinkerhoff · Post by **todd brinkerhoff** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 7:44 am

Vibrating multi-tool. I have the dremel version. Most used power tool I have and couldn't live without it. There are better brands too.

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 9:13 am

Be careful of the sparks when cutting it off with a die grinder ...

sluggo · Post by **sluggo** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 11:31 am

thanks guys I will report back
yes this is the 6.5 the water pump belt needs replaced and the only way I can get enough adjustment is with both the top water pump and the side circulating pump. The only way to get to the side circulating pump is to take the cover off. it appears they put the genny together,and then placed it in the 'hole', and they the bulkheaded the cover in!!

I dont think I want to take the genny off it mounts, sounds like it is heavy and probalbly too much rust, I am afraid I wont get it back in place.

besides I lost my weightlifting belt a long time ago!!! LOL