belt weirdness

[hammer1]

when i replaced the waterpump a few weeks ago, i needed to remover the alternator to get to the hose under it, since i replaced all the hoses as well.
when i put the Alt / PS belt back on, the only way it could be used was to swing the alternater almost two inches toward the fan, otherwise there was NO WAY the belt would go back on with the alternator positioned when it was befor i started.
I always mark the thread on stuff like this before i do anything.
Anyway, i noticed at the time a worn spot on the belt, so i ordered a new OEM belt. after two mistake at the dealer, i finally got the right one. no i know a new belt is slightly smalle than the belt removed, because of stretching, but this was so close, it had to be the one. plus, they had ordered the other two belt by mistake, so i now have three new belts.
So, i go this am to put the NEW belt on, and now i have to swing the alternator aALL THE WAY toward the center, and the adjustment screw just thread into the nut.
Its so close, that i am afraid to try to tension it properly, because with the alternator adjustment screw completely out, i had to force the belt onto the pully.
what give?
in all, i had to swing the alternator a full 4 inches just to get the belt on.
Am i missing something?

Hammer

 

[lovetoski]

Kind of a wierd puzzle...one option is that the old belt was narrower? This would allow it to ride lower down in the pullys - which would adjust as if it's a longer belt. OEM cruiser belts are really fat and ride high on the pullys.

 

[hammer1]

same size belt, same pully

 

[VETTE60]

if it fits, and tensions the it does not matter unless you get some funky wear on the belt.

 

[msummer]

I can't get the OEM belt on my altenator either. I have one from Autozone that is not for my 60 but it fits fine.

 

[2mbb]

I had problems getting the OEM alternator belt on my 60. The belt seemed like it was too small. I would rotate the alternator untill the voltage regulator touched the engine, but I still didn't have clearance to get the belt on. It turns out that I had an alternator that was "clocked" and the voltage regulator was in the wrong place. When I replaced my alternator I got one that has the regulator located at the 10 o'clock postion (when looking from the front of the alternator) instead of the 2 o'clock position. This allows the alternator to rotate farther towards the engine and the OEM belt fits fine now.