Classic 3.9 v8 alternator belt question

Is it the belt that shares its pulley with power steering. I haven't got one parked outside to reference, but iirc the other belt will be stretched and it's a pita to change so easiest option is to fit longer one or turn the crank / starter to jump the correct one on

Here is a picture of the set up. Pullies are 70mm and 140mm

Maybe a daft question, but is the alternator the original type?
2 different types shown on cat

I have no idea. I was wondering the same thing.

Pulley size is supposed to be 68mm so that should be correct.

Reply #12 says the alternator pulley is 60mm but mine is circa 70mm. Can anyone else measure the pulley on a 1991 V8? This may be the problem.

duplicate post

Might be simpler to source a longer alternator V-belt.
Quick Google 10mm x 700mm: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brand-Ne...-Auxiliary-Fan-Drive-Alternator-/291302726187

I have a 700mm belt on order and hope it goes on and adjusts ok. I would like to know what’s going on though.

Fingers crossed!

Has yours got aircon? [i guess it should]
3.5 is also carburettor, yours injection, so will be differences.
ETC7899 should be correct i believe. It does not supersede to ERR2073


Try a Gates 7270

Product ID


87017270


Part #


7270


Product Description


7270 AUTO V-BELT XL


UPC


072053012217

More info

http://web.daycogarage.com/catalogue/en-us/search-product-by-code?t=2&c=ETC7899

I’ve ordered a Gates 6208MC but it looks almost the same.

Seems its a similar issue that I had on my 3.5, I had to remove the bolt on the belt adjuster, loop the belt over the two pulleys and use a crow bar to leaver the alternator to to stretch the belt and fit the bolt back into the adjuster.

Using a bit of logic before Forums.

3.5 comes as both carb & EFi - mine's the latter.

But I think you might have cracked it for the length problem.
ETC7899 is listed up to (V)38D19694A
ERR2073 as (V)38D19695A -
There's an ETC7899 shown on amazon & that gives the dimensions in inches as 0.44 x 27.57 which converts to 11.16mm x 700.278mm, so a tiny bit wider but assuming their listing is correct of a better length.
Interesting that the usual suspects advise to use ERR2073 & claim it to be superceded.

discool said:

Seems its a similar issue that I had on my 3.5, I had to remove the bolt on the belt adjuster, loop the belt over the two pulleys and use a crow bar to leaver the alternator to to stretch the belt and fit the bolt back into the adjuster.

Using a bit of logic before Forums.

Click to expand...

Was your adjuster the type with the long slot (ETC6291) - infinitely adjustable but can self adjust (!) which is why the later bolt one is better.

Ratae said:

Was your adjuster the type with the long slot (ETC6291) - infinitely adjustable but can self adjust (!) which is why the later bolt one is better.

Click to expand...

Yes it was the long slot version, but still the same issue the problem is the high pulley shoulders, I never saw the bolt style of adjustment until the 3.9 came out.
No issues with the 3.9 and a serpentine belt.

So the ERR2073 is 675mm but the ETC7899 is 700mm. Interesting use of the word “superseded” and a very good explanation for the tight fit, assuming mine was supposed to be the larger belt.

I will see how the 700mm belt goes on and rest a little easier if it does.

And the engine is 36D110XX so that makes it the ETC7899. All starting to make sense.

LR probably worked much the same as the rest of Rover/BL etc & just used what was handy in the parts bins....

Final resolution and update for reference. The Gates 6208MC went straight on and was easily adjusted without any issues. This tells me that the ERR2073 (which is 675mm) is not the same as the ETC7899 (which is 700mm) even though several sources suggest this is the case.

The 6208MC I fitted is 700 x the same as the ETC7899.

I also suspect the garage damaged the shorter ERR2073 / 675mm belt trying to force it on as they were sure it was correct.