Why dual belts for the fan and alternator? (1 Viewer)

[beachcomberspi]

I ordered two sets of belts from cruiserdan. They are MUCH easier to install (slightly longer than the NAPA ones) and dead silent. I put the second set in my spares kit and have learned a lesson.

I am going to see if I can get a refund from NAPA - they are great guys and very friendly, but since these have been installed I don't know if they will take them back.

BTW, I use a Krickit belt tension gauge to set the belts to the specified tension - 60 to 100 pounds. Since the fan belt is a double set, I used half that per belt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z11wfc-0-hY

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

If the tension is specified at 60-100 why halve it? Isn't the tension specification for 60-100 each?

 

[John E Davies]

If the tension is specified at 60-100 why halve it? Isn't the tension specification for 60-100 each?

Well, the instructions that came with the gauge said: for dual belts, halve the recommended tension. The manufacturer is Dayco, and they should know belts

I don't recall the exact wording of the Cruiser service manual. Does it say "per belt" or does it just give the tension?

Doubled belts at 50 pounds each should give a total of 100 pounds tension, just like with a rope block and tackle arrangement, each "leg" carries half the load. If you had a gauge that could span both belts simultaneously, that same tightness adjustment would read 100, correct?

They feel right using the thumb test - I would definitely NOT want to double the tension.

If someone can quote the manual as definitely saying 60 to 100 per belt, I will tighten them up.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[John E Davies]

Just keep them as a lesson learned and spares, it's kind of a dick move to return something that is perfectly fine and used. Now if they were truly defective, that is another story.

If they howl, isn't that defective? In design, if not in manufacture.... I did ask for OEM equivalent belts, I don't think I should have to pay more than OEM cost for belts that sound like a failing power steering pump.

Should I just eat the $35? Why do you think so? I'm not trying to screw anyone. I'll tell them they were installed and run for a few minutes. I suspect they will toss them in the trash, but that is up to them, not me.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[ElPolloBlanco]

I just replaced my belts. I was in a hurry and had to get some from Pep Boys since they were the only place in town that had them in stock. They are ribbed on the insides and make a lot of noise, like a whining sound. I'm disappointed however in the Toyota belts that I put on there about a year ago. They were all sorts of messed up. Hanging on by a thread would be an understatement. The AC belt on the other hand was in perfect shape. The drive belts though with the gaps in the grove portion made a clicking sound that almost mad the truck sound like a diesel.