T&T: alternator belt

[Ron Rogers]

The idea of cutting and measuring the belt is great! In the store, the belt 
measurer is sometimes called a "Belt Banjo." It takes care of one 
dimension - ID or inside diameter. On a "V" belt, you also need width and 
depth. A used belt will have stretched perhaps a half-inch or more over 
time. That is why it is necessary to go back to a new belt installation 
after a few hours of use and retighten the belt. Therefore, a new belt might 
be a very tight fit. In a previous List conversation, we learned that some 
new Gates belts (Predator and Powergrip) incorporate Kevlar to reduce 
stretch.

Note how the old belt fit in the "V" of the pulley. If that belt gave 
satisfactory service, make sure that you duplicate it. The wrong belt will 
often be worn on the sides as it is worn by the pulley.

Ron Rogers