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Emergency Alternator Belt

mdevans9

Well Known Member
This thread title once had some information on link-belts like Accu-link, but multiple searches does not pull it up. Can anyone point the way to sizing a link belt to replace (temporarily) a Dayco Top Cog 15355?

Thanks,

Merrill
 
This thread title once had some information on link-belts like Accu-link, but multiple searches does not pull it up. Can anyone point the way to sizing a link belt to replace (temporarily) a Dayco Top Cog 15355?

Thanks,

Merrill

The last three digits are the belts diameter in millimeters. Most belts have this number in them somewhere, usually the last three digits. You want a 1/2" wide link belt. They come in 3/8, 1/2 and 5/8. Be sure you have enough travel in the alt bracket, as most link belts are adjusted in increments greater than 3/4"

Larry
 
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Kevlar Belt

I’ve been running the Kevlar link belt for about 3 or 4 yrs. Over time it kinda gets a set and stretches a little but perfect for emergencies. That said, when I get a round to it, I’ll pull the CS prop and install a traditional belt. However, I’m not to excited about pulling the prop so the link belt stays for now.
 
The last three digits are the belts diameter in millimeters. Most belts have this number in them somewhere, usually the last three digits. You want a 1/2" wide link belt. They come in 3/8, 1/2 and 5/8. Be sure you have enough travel in the alt bracket, as most link belts are adjusted in increments greater than 3/4"

Larry

Thanks Larry. Very helpful!

Thanks to everyone for their input. Much obliged.

Merrill
 
The last three digits are the belts diameter in millimeters. Most belts have this number in them somewhere, usually the last three digits. You want a 1/2" wide link belt. They come in 3/8, 1/2 and 5/8. Be sure you have enough travel in the alt bracket, as most link belts are adjusted in increments greater than 3/4"

Larry

Thanks, Larry. My RV-10 w/ B&C alternator uses a Gates 7355XL (or Dayco 15355), which is .41" wide at the top. That's right between the available 3/8" and 1/2" adjustable v-belt widths available from McMaster Carr:

https://www.mcmaster.com/6173K37/
https://www.mcmaster.com/6173K36/

Your post called out the 1/2" belt. What led you to recommend 1/2" rather than 3/8"?

This post shows an RV with a PowerTwist 3L belt, which I believe is 3/8":
https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=139247&page=5
 
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BTW, here's a good document on assembling the accu-link belt (Harbor Freight sells a 1/2" one for $35 or so):

https://megadynegroup.com/files/resources/attachments/md_broc_acculink_web_am_en.pdf

Installed direction appears to matter. It looks like the tab points away from running direction.

Thanks Tim - I have a spare link belt in my aircraft tool bag, but honestly never thought about the right way to install it. Good to know! From the PDF:

  1. Be sure that the belt has the tabs on the inner side: the belt has to run with the tabs oppositely facing the running direction;
  2. Fit the belt in the nearest groove of the smallest sheave and then roll the belt onto the larger sheave. For multiple belt drives, repeat the operation on all the grooves
  3. Always make sure belts are tight and tabs are still in the correct position.
 
Or just change your belt occasionally (suggest somewhere around 5-7 years) and don't worry about needing a spare :eek:
 
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