VAF Forums

VAF Forums (https://vansairforce.net/community/index.php)
-   RV Ongoing Maintenance Issues (https://vansairforce.net/community/forumdisplay.php?f=76)
-   -   Source for a Replacement Alternator Belt? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=139247)

Canadian_JOY 06-24-2016 08:03 PM

Source for a Replacement Alternator Belt?
 
At 10 years of age I'm thinking our alternator belt might be ready for replacement as preventative maintenance. After looking the Lycoming part listed in the Aircraft Spruce catalog I have to believe there is a source of belts that are at least as good as those and perhaps not quite as "gold plated" in the price department.

Our current belt is a Gates product. Are most folks going to their local automotive parts supplier for replacement belts? I've also looked at the segmented belt however I'm not sure I've heard very many positive reviews of their use over the long term in an aircraft alternator application.

Thanks in advance for sharing suggestions based on your operational experience.

Ralph Inkster 06-24-2016 08:13 PM

Take the numbers off your old Gates belt (or the whole belt itself) to any auto parts store & they can match it up. No different from a common car V-belt.

rv7charlie 06-24-2016 08:14 PM

There's an aircraft version of single V alternator belts??



;-)

RV6_flyer 06-24-2016 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canadian_JOY (Post 1090307)
At 10 years of age I'm thinking our alternator belt might be ready for replacement as preventative maintenance. After looking the Lycoming part listed in the Aircraft Spruce catalog I have to believe there is a source of belts that are at least as good as those and perhaps not quite as "gold plated" in the price department.

Our current belt is a Gates product. Are most folks going to their local automotive parts supplier for replacement belts? I've also looked at the segmented belt however I'm not sure I've heard very many positive reviews of their use over the long term in an aircraft alternator application.

Thanks in advance for sharing suggestions based on your operational experience.


I use a Gates Automotive belt that I purchased from Amazon. The Gates Automotive belts are listed as NOT For Use On Aircraft but mine is working fine. (2nd Gates belt in 19-years) Typically I do not replace the belt till the prop is off then install a new one.

I prefer the Gates belt as I believe they are the highest quality available. Local auto parts did not have Gates belts but could have furnished a belt from another manufacturer.

Mike S 06-24-2016 09:34 PM

Just got a new alternator belt today from the local NAPA.

Xkuzme1 06-24-2016 09:56 PM

...
 
If you have one belt that is good, but just makes you nervous, you can keep them both on. I've never tired it with the RV. A lot of guys I know keep two on. You band one out of the way. If one breaks, you don't have to pull the prop to mount the other one. Very handle of it breaks while traveling.

plehrke 06-25-2016 03:15 AM

I have been happy with the Dayco Top Cog V-belts. Available at local auto parts store and high performance racing shops.

Canadian_JOY 06-25-2016 04:52 AM

Thanks for confirming the local auto parts store as a good source of supply for these belts. Much appreciated!

I've seen the second belt installed on a couple of airplanes. No way do I want to take the constant speed prop off to have to change a belt. The only reason I'm looking at changing ours now is because the prop is off for other reasons and I thought I should take advantage of this opportunity. Believe it or not, the lack of an alternator drive belt is one of the reasons why I really like Continental engines...

Lycosaurus 06-25-2016 06:28 AM

Dayco belt available in Stittsville
 
Hey Mark,

I just replaced my PP alternator belt a couple of months ago as a precautionary measure after 700 hrs / 7 years. I obtained mine from Prime Choice Autoparts in Stittsville. Gave them a call and they ordered it since they don't have stock, but got it in a day. I asked for a Gates or Dayco, and they were able to get Dayco.

I too thought of a spare belt, however I would rather replace the belt at regular intervals and not have the spare belt sitting in a hot engine environment baking away. Then again I have a fixed pitch prop.

BillL 06-25-2016 06:38 AM

When I worked at Conti - the engineers said that the belts are exactly the same. They are tracked differently for traceability.

I got a dayco "cog belt" with my PP alternator.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:40 AM.