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-   -   Source for a Replacement Alternator Belt? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=139247)

Mel 06-04-2020 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDeanda (Post 1436222)
I like to keep a spare belt tied out of the way. Those things are hard to replace, especially with a three blade propeller. It’s a real bear having to pull that thing over the third blade.

This is not a bad idea for an emergency (to get you home), but history has shown that when a belt is replaced with one that has been tied in place the new belt does not last long.

The heat cycling causes a dormant belt to take a "set" and does not last long after set into active use.

emsvitil 06-04-2020 08:43 PM

Is this the type of segmented belt you're talking about?

https://www.harborfreight.com/vibrat...elt-43771.html

DTARM1 06-04-2020 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ralph Inkster (Post 1090310)
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.

Rush, it's 10 years old. Do you really think even Gates is going to have a p/n still visible after 10 years?

JDeanda 06-04-2020 09:00 PM

True!
 
Mel, you?re right, that belt tied back out of the way gets thermal cycled same as the belt in use (maybe worse, in fact) and it suffers. But even that short life should be plenty to get you home where it?s much easier to install a new, good belt. It can be pretty tough to change a belt on an engine with a constant speed prop when you?re on a ramp far from home. And just for the record, I forgot to get a back-up belt last time I had the (fixed pitch) prop off. My buddy has an RV-6 with a Hartzell and he?s running a segmented belt from, um, I think he said Grainger. I?ll find out.

rv6ejguy 06-04-2020 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emsvitil (Post 1436345)
Is this the type of segmented belt you're talking about?

https://www.harborfreight.com/vibrat...elt-43771.html

Dave said 617K36 from McMaster.

McStevens 06-04-2020 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rv6ejguy (Post 1436360)
Dave said 617K36 from McMaster.

Found a 6173K36.

V-Belts, Twist-Lock, Trade Size 3L, 3/8" Wide

https://www.mcmaster.com/6173K36

gasman 06-04-2020 09:54 PM

Ross..... Did Dave install a belt driven alternator after he went EFI?

In the past, Dave machined off the pulley and ran a vac mounted alternator.

Grainger also carries a quality link belt. I have carried one for 15 years. If you decide to try one,keep in mind that they are directional.

jliltd 06-04-2020 10:00 PM

I am with Mel. Talking with my IA with 40 years experience all he has noticed about the spare belt concept is the spare is usually in worse shape than the running belt after a couple of hundred hours. Those of you with a tied-off spare take a close look at it next oil change, especially on the narrow (bottom) side. Chances are it's weather checked along with being very stiff and reluctant to go back into it's proper shape. Kinda like a dead cat on the side of the road.

WA85 06-05-2020 05:57 AM

At 500 hrs, I found that the Dayco Top-Cog belt was missing a few segments (cogs?) and had significant cracking in-between the segments. The belt is available through Amazon or at most auto part stores. The fine print says its made in the PRC (China)?..For the sake of alternator reliability to supply power for both of my electronic ignitions and avionics, a PP alternator with 500 hrs on it, coupled with a automotive belt from the PRC isn't inspiring.....did I mention that I installed a B&C standby alternator...

lr172 06-05-2020 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jliltd (Post 1436377)
I am with Mel. Talking with my IA with 40 years experience all he has noticed about the spare belt concept is the spare is usually in worse shape than the running belt after a couple of hundred hours. Those of you with a tied-off spare take a close look at it next oil change, especially on the narrow (bottom) side. Chances are it's weather checked along with being very stiff and reluctant to go back into it's proper shape. Kinda like a dead cat on the side of the road.

I would expect this. Rubber tends to age better when it is exercised regularly. Regular movement tends to slow down the hardening of most rubber.

Larry


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