[tryingbe]

Changed the metal idle pulley with a failed wheel bearing to INA FP02931, a plastic one, and saved 4.2oz, or 1/4 lb.
No, I didn't notice acceleration or MPG gain.

8.8oz

4.6oz

 

[Sighthound]

How much does the average insight driver weigh, when this type of weight savings is calculated and catalogued?

I am generally curious, as I see people apparently removed rear wiper motors etc....

 

[Dougie]

On the highway the aerodynamics are a lot more important than the weight.

 

[NoD~]

Weight does almost nothing for MPG, but hey, the engine now has to work a little less to even idle! Every little bit counts. Good find!

 

[jeffffej]

I've always heard that every pound of rotational mass saved equals eight pounds of stationary mass, IIRC. So no this won't add power or mpg but every little bit surely helps.

 

[Natalya]

I'm going to start using those going forward when I replace a failed idler pulley bearing.

 

[minor4326]

Is there an issue with the plastic INA pulley becoming too brittle "before it's time".

 

[mudder]

Neato... people here are quite creative.

 

[tryingbe]

Is there an issue with the plastic INA pulley becoming too brittle "before it's time".

I'll let you know when it fails, though, that can be 10-20 years from now. My Turbo Dodge uses a plastic pulley for its timing belt tensioner and I have never hard of anyone having issue with the pulley.

Neato... people here are quite creative.

Not me, I just went to Rockauto to find idle pulley replacement then came upon it.

 

[olrowdy01]

Changed the metal idle pulley with a failed wheel bearing to INA FP02931, a plastic one, and saved 4.2oz, or 1/4 lb.
No, I didn't notice acceleration or MPG gain.

8.8oz
View attachment 89319

4.6oz
View attachment 89320

The weight saving is about 3.439e-5 percent.