Whipple Pulley Changed Color

[BrokenVet]

Has anyone else seen something like this happening with their Whipple pulley? Due to some unexpected medical issues, the car has been sitting for 2.5 months, but when I opened the hood to make sure rabbits haven't chewed my wires I noticed the pulley had changed to more of a copper color. 2.5 months ago, it was still black. My first thought is that it got too hot, but the car runs fine, and I've never noticed any of the temps above normal. The belt tracks good, and all of the idler pulleys look good. A cheap ir temp gun shows the pulley at 140f after 10 minutes of idling. I've never used any cleaning chemicals near it.

I'm stumped. I do have a ticket open with Whipple but haven't heard back from them yet.

Sponsored

 

[HKusp]

That is odd. Where has the car been sitting?

 

[luc]

Anodized aluminum will do that, especially if the anodizing was not of the best quality

 

[WD Pro]

Anodized aluminum will do that, especially if the anodizing was not of the best quality

This

Although it’s strange that it’s gone that bad over such a short period of time and without any sun exposure.

I’ve seen black fade to a brown / bronze colour, but that was on retro / old mountain bike parts.

Has it been wiped down with some sort of aggressive cleaner ?

Some strong cleaners (e.g. oven cleaner) can bleach / partially strip anodising.

On another note - should there be a bolt in the centre of that pulley ? It looks like something is missing, even if it’s only a thread plug / dust cap

WD

 

[BrokenVet]

That is odd. Where has the car been sitting?

It has been in the driveway, exposed to all of the elements.

 

[ZXMustang]

Just order a griptec pulley and be done with it. New belt too I would if it were me.

 

[BrokenVet]

Anodized aluminum will do that, especially if the anodizing was not of the best quality

You nailed it. Whipple got back with me and said they occasionally have batches where the anodizing process hasn't been done correctly. Even though the warranty is up, they're sending a new pulley.

 

[ZXMustang]

https://www.zpegriptec.com/3-875-6-rib-zpe-griptec-whipple-5-bolt-l3v-a-black-pulley-only/

 

[BrokenVet]

This

Although it’s strange that it’s gone that bad over such a short period of time and without any sun exposure.

I’ve seen black fade to a brown / bronze colour, but that was on retro / old mountain bike parts.

Has it been wiped down with some sort of aggressive cleaner ?

Some strong cleaners (e.g. oven cleaner) can bleach / partially strip anodising.

On another note - should there be a bolt in the centre of that pulley ? It looks like something is missing, even if it’s only a thread plug / dust cap

WD

You and luc got it right. Poor anodizing.

I haven't used anything other than cheap Harbor Freight microfiber towels to wipe the dust off. The discoloration is even on the back side and in the grooves. The suddeness of the change after 10 months of it looking normal is what had me most concerned.

I agree, it does look like something should be in the center, but this is how it came from Whipple. I can find plenty of images of the 4 bolt, but I need to look for some images of the 5 bolt to see if something should be there.

 

[BrokenVet]

Just order a griptec pulley and be done with it. New belt too I would if it were me.

You must've read my mind. Thanks for the link. I went ahead and ordered one. Even though Whipple is sending a new pulley, I might as well use this is an excuse to upgrade it.

 

[luc]

You nailed it. Whipple got back with me and said they occasionally have batches where the anodizing process hasn't been done correctly. Even though the warranty is up, they're sending a new pulley.

Good customer service!!!

Sponsored