Classic 3.9 v8 alternator belt question

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Gurmot

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The belt snapped on the way into town so I pulled over and could see the part fitted was a Gates 6207MC which I believe to be 675x9.5 or 10mm. Same part bought but I can’t seem to get it on even with the tensioner backed right off. It looks like the belt needs to be at least 20mm longer to get it over the pulley.

I’m now looking at belts online and the part number appears to be ERR2073. Does anyone know the dimensions for the correct belt and if I am right in thinking the part originally fitted was too short.

It’s a 91 Vogue 3.9 SE auto.

Thanks

Simon
 
you could go into any autoparts and ask for a 10mm (which it it is) x how many mm long you need v belt and they'll probably have in stock or next day.
otherwise, jump it on with the starter motor
 
ERR2073 comes up as the right part number.
Would it help if you popped one of the end bolts (either the one that goes into the block of the one that connects it to the alternator body) off the adjuster to give you a bit more leeway to get the belt in the groove & then refit the bolt?
 
Thanks. Yes, I tried removing the bolt that secures the alternator to the adjusting arm but it still won’t go. Very odd.
I have now ordered a 700mm belt and will see how this goes but I’m wondering what has caused this. Or maybe the new belt I have is out of spec.....
 
Odd indeed. The part number is the same up to the multi v belt ERR2678 which lists from KA624756 on the last of the RRC.
The belt that's a PITA on my 3.5EFi is the one that drives the power steering pump - the alternator belt from the power steering pump pulley to the alternator pulley is easy.
That said, the alternator tensioner on mine is the older one with just a long slot in it to adjust the alternator, not the bolt adjusted one you should have on yours, I believe the changeover was late 1990.
 
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Could the lower belt be incorrect and the power steering pump adjusted out of normal range? There’s definitely something not right.
 
It's a thought. I know I have to lever the pump down to get the belt from the crank pulley on & it's still awkward - although having thought about it that would suggest my pump belt is short & I know it's the right one!
Don't know if this might be of any help with pics, once you've opened the link left-click on the vehicle & take it from there:
http://new.lrcat.com/
 
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Thanks, that’s a useful resource. I’m wondering if if I can remove the alternator pulley and try to fit it that way. Anyone tried this?
 
Just had a look at mine. (It's a 1986 3.5EFI auto, no aircon.) The alternator belt currently fitted is a Gates 6207MC. The alternator is an A127 & its pulley is 60mm diameter.
Can't comment on whether removing the pulley would work as I've never needed to do it.
 
I don't understand...............

If you have the part that came off and can compare the size with the new part, and they are the same size.................how can it possibly not fit??

Pete
 
I don’t understand either. The part that came off was shredded but reassembled it looks the same as the new part. However, there was very little movement on the slide adjuster mechanism before the body of the alternator (left side looking directly at it) was touching the engine. I tried several times to get the new belt on but it wouldn’t go. I even tried soaking it in hot water as it was bloody cold outside. I also removed the top bolt securing the adjuster arm to give more play.

To be honest I’m feeling like a bit of a numpty and wondering what schoolboy error I am making but short of unbolting the alternator or trying a larger belt I can’t see how the belt will go on. It was too cold and dark after work tonight so I will see if I can look again tomorrow night. I will also measure the pullies.

I may drop in to my local inde as they fitted new belts when the engine was out for new core plugs recently. The chap who worked on it may be able to shed more light (or confirm I am a numpty).
 
Gurmot said:
I don’t understand either. The part that came off was shredded but reassembled it looks the same as the new part. However, there was very little movement on the slide adjuster mechanism before the body of the alternator (left side looking directly at it) was touching the engine. I tried several times to get the new belt on but it wouldn’t go. I even tried soaking it in hot
water as it was bloody cold outside. I also removed the top bolt securing the adjuster arm to give more play
To be honest I’m feeling like a bit of a numpty and wondering what schoolboy error I am making but short of unbolting the alternator or trying a larger belt I can’t see how the belt will go on. It was too cold and dark after work tonight so I will see if I can look again tomorrow night. I will also measure the pullies.

I may drop in to my local inde as they fitted new belts when the engine was out for new core plugs recently. The chap who worked on it may be able to shed more light (or confirm I am a numpty).
Click to expand...

If I had the belts replaced by a garage "recently"that would be my first port of call...ask them how they did it...and if they had problems getting it on then there is something wrong with the setup...belt replacement is and should be SIMPLE AND EASY...imho
 
The garage have confirmed they had the same issue when fitting the belt and had to wind the belt on by turning the crank, they have offered to fit the belt if I drop it round. I still don't know why but my next move it to measure the pullies. Not happy just forcing another belt into position.
 
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