<VV> Can It Really Be That Simple? - belts

[corvairduval at cox.net]

I guess we now have another thread to add to the early/late, cold/hot valve
adjustment, Dot 3,4 or 5 brake fluid, to jack or not to jack under the
differential,  SM or whatever oil threads where there will always be
disagreements.

I'll stick with the finger tight method that has worked for me for 32
years. But at the same time I cannot fault someone who runs a typical v
belt tension so that anywhere along the long section you can twist the belt
90 degrees with your fingers. This is the standard for "normal" belt
routing. As a driver of cars that use 100 amp alternators, a correct
tension belt (and a good quality belt) is the only way to keep them turning
properly. 

Just don't adjust the belt so tight you cannot twist it 90 degrees with
your fingers.

Frank DuVal

>You should just be able to turn the generator or alternator pulley with
your fingers. Too tight is not good. 
>

As long as I'm at it today, I do not agree with this loose belt theory / 
fact.  It may keep belts on longer, but it also keeps the fan from 
working properly, as well as the alternator, what with them both 
slipping -- and with the slippage, you probably replace belts as often 
from wearing them out as you would from running the belt with proper 
tension (*can't* turn the alt pulley with your fingers) and throwing an 
occasional belt.  Yes, that means a roadside replacement job, but there 
are few locations where that is not immediately possible, ala Golden 
Gate Bridge, Holland Tunnel, etc.

Run 'em tight! Get optimum efficiency from that inefficient fan (i.e., 
keep the engine cool), get maximum efficiency out of your heater system, 
and keep your headlights bright with full alternator output being 
available.  Oh yeah, keep a couple spare belts, tools, and a working 
flashlight available (and if you worry about those things, a pair of 
orange coveralls with a safety vest, and some waterless hand cleaner).

And for running with proper tension, I have always preferred a high 
quality "cut" belt to the wrapped ones -- less slippage in the pulleys.

Works for me!

Bill Strickland
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