Belt Question...

-
RustyRatRod

RustyRatRod

I was born on a Monday. Not last Monday.
FABO Gold Member
Joined
Jun 7, 2010
Messages
104,783
Reaction score
102,308
Location
Georgia
This is really stupid, but I am curious so I am going to ask. AM I the only one having trouble with new belts? I got a new alternator belt not too long ago. The old one was stretched and the alternator was against the fender well and could not tighten any further. So I got a new one about an inch shorter. Installed it, tightened it good. I noticed the last couple of times I've driven the belt squeals in brisk acceleration. So today, since I was under the hood installing my carburetor heat shield, I tightened the belt up. Is it just me or do these new belts stretch too easily? I don't remember ever having this problem before. I can put the pry bar on the alternator and just stretch it like a rubber band.
 
I would not doubt it a bit. Replacement parts have really gone to hell in the last years
 
RustyRatRod said:
This is really stupid, but I am curious so I am going to ask. AM I the only one having trouble with new belts? I got a new alternator belt not too long ago. The old one was stretched and the alternator was against the fender well and could not tighten any further. So I got a new one about an inch shorter. Installed it, tightened it good. I noticed the last couple of times I've driven the belt squeals in brisk acceleration. So today, since I was under the hood installing my carburetor heat shield, I tightened the belt up. Is it just me or do these new belts stretch too easily? I don't remember ever having this problem before. I can put the pry bar on the alternator and just stretch it like a rubber band.
Click to expand...
they do. Go to John Deere and get their brand, a bit more $$$ but they don't seem to stretch and squeal as easily as the auto parts store brands
 
Dartsun said:
What brand belt are you using RRR, I try stick to gates when available.
Click to expand...

I will admit, I had to get Masterblow this time, because they did not have Gates in the size I wanted.
 
RustyRatRod said:
This is really stupid, but I am curious so I am going to ask. AM I the only one having trouble with new belts? I got a new alternator belt not too long ago. The old one was stretched and the alternator was against the fender well and could not tighten any further. So I got a new one about an inch shorter. Installed it, tightened it good. I noticed the last couple of times I've driven the belt squeals in brisk acceleration. So today, since I was under the hood installing my carburetor heat shield, I tightened the belt up. Is it just me or do these new belts stretch too easily? I don't remember ever having this problem before. I can put the pry bar on the alternator and just stretch it like a rubber band.
Click to expand...
Yup, I noticed my last belt stretched easily and I'm not getting any stronger. BTW, did you put a heat shield on the Weber 32/36 carb? I remember you had that on your list. Let us know if/when you get it. I'd like to get your opinion since I have the 38/38 carb and was thinking about trying out the 32/36. Thanx.
 
Perseus said:
Yup, I noticed my last belt stretched easily and I'm not getting any stronger. BTW, did you put a heat shield on the Weber 32/36 carb? I remember you had that on your list. Let us know if/when you get it. I'd like to get your opinion since I have the 38/38 carb and was thinking about trying out the 32/36. Thanx.
Click to expand...

I don't have the Weber yet. But I do plan on a heat shield. If you check my "runnin and drivin" thread I did just update it with the heat shield I put on the one barrel. I haven't driven the car yet for results. I should know something tomorrow.
 
My Cub Cadet is a 1971 109 hydrostatic, and I have had it for 30 years, It has spit a belt now and then but in the last 3 years I have gone through 3 belts a year. All the pulleys are good and straight, no bad bearings so I have to blaime it on the belt.
 
RustyRatRod said:
This is really stupid, but I am curious so I am going to ask. AM I the only one having trouble with new belts? I got a new alternator belt not too long ago. The old one was stretched and the alternator was against the fender well and could not tighten any further. So I got a new one about an inch shorter. Installed it, tightened it good. I noticed the last couple of times I've driven the belt squeals in brisk acceleration. So today, since I was under the hood installing my carburetor heat shield, I tightened the belt up. Is it just me or do these new belts stretch too easily? I don't remember ever having this problem before. I can put the pry bar on the alternator and just stretch it like a rubber band.
Click to expand...

I have not had any trouble w/ belts (on cars) , if u can find a kevlar belt in the size u need , you`ll probly never have to replace it .
 
Tractor supply has decent belts and so does Surplus Center.
 
Having same problem with mine at this exact moment. Problem is when I changed from a round back to square back alternator. Case doesnt allow alternator to swing up far enough. 60 inch is too long as alternator almost hits inner fender. Measured 59 inches with a Taylor's tape. Havent tried yet, but found belt at orlieys thats 59 1/16. Master pro part number 7585.
 
Put a couple thousand miles on NAPA belts with no problem so far, Rusty. I just tighten the alt belt tight enough so that I can't turn the alt pulley by hand when grabbing the fan blades on the front of the alt.

And I did have a buddy that used the elastic off his BVDs to get out of the backwoods when he lost his belt. He said it didn't squeal once!:D
 
AJ/FormS said:
You got a clutch on the fan?
My cheap jobber belt was new in about 2004 when I put that most excellent Ford thermostatic clutch on there.
Click to expand...

AJ tell us more about the Ferd thermo on an A body?? Part number? A pic?? Please!
 
Got nothing but a clutch is a clutch. I went with the Ford because one day, a Ford Pick-up came into the shop (early 2000s) with the clutch nicely cycling, and that fan was huge and loud. So I thought to myself, if this clutch can do that!, I want one. So I hopped over to the dealer at lunch time and got me one.
Of course my fan is just a 7-blade, hi attack-angle, curved-tip, all-steel, A/C fan off, a 73 Dart with A/C, lol; so that Ford clutch hardly even knows my Mopar fan is there. It fit right on my Milodon hi-flow pump. But it is a lil tight to the rad. But not swearing about it tight. The rad can stay in when taking the assembly off. (68 Barracuda with the 73Dart rad)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top