What serp belt?

samsonitesamson · 08-09-2008, 09:16 PM

I went down to autozone last night and picked up a new serp belt for my A/C conversion, the belt for the 2.5 w/AC and w/PS was like 8" to long.... I took it back and they said since the a/c was a dealer kit I had to get a belt from aa dealer....... is there anywhere else I could get it? The dealer wants like 50$

**Mean Max** · 08-09-2008, 09:38 PM

From WikiAnswers:

Route a long piece of string as the belt would be routed. Pull it taught, then tie it off. Cut the string and measure it.

Most brands of belts are supplied in sleeves that explain the relation between belt size in length. Consider that you need a belt one size SHORTER than your string, as the tensioner was not loaded when you tied the knot.

samsonitesamson · 08-09-2008, 09:41 PM

according to autozone they have no idea how long the belts they sell are, and they are not listed on their packaging.

**Mean Max** · 08-09-2008, 09:47 PM

I don't doubt that, coming from AZ. Most of their help has no previous automotive/parts experience.

The part number actually describes the belt. Each number references some info, how many ribs, length, etc. I just am not familiar with the numbers to know which ones mean what.

I deal with a "local" parts store, that has the "old time" parts guys that have done it all their lives, and they KNOW what they're talking about.

If you don't have access to that kind of parts person, take the measurement as prescribed & PM me the info, including how many ribs, etc. I'll get my guys to get you a part number if you need me to.

pat8942 · 08-09-2008, 10:04 PM

Goodyear belt numbers are length and rib count.
Example,4060690 is a 6 ribX69".
Here is a link to Goodyear that lists all the sizes and part numbers.
http://www.goodyearep.com/productsdetail.aspx?id=31

Quote:

Originally Posted by samsonitesamson

I went down to autozone last night and picked up a new serp belt for my A/C conversion, the belt for the 2.5 w/AC and w/PS was like 8" to long.... I took it back and they said since the a/c was a dealer kit I had to get a belt from aa dealer....... is there anywhere else I could get it? The dealer wants like 50$

**Mean Max** · 08-09-2008, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pat8942

Goodyear belt numbers are length and rib count.
Example,4060690 is a 6 ribX69".
Here is a link to Goodyear that lists all the sizes and part numbers.
http://www.goodyearep.com/productsdetail.aspx?id=31

The whole time I was trying to help the OP, I was hoping you'd show up. I knew that an experienced guy like you would know what I was driving at. I knew the basics, but not the particulars.

Thanks Pat.

pat8942 · 08-09-2008, 10:15 PM

Glad to help.
Hopefully this will help other folks that need custom belts.
V-belts are similar but the're measured in thirty seconds as far as width.
A 16550 V-belt would be 1/2"X55".

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mean Max

The whole time I was trying to help the OP, I was hoping you'd show up. I knew that an experienced guy like you would know what I was driving at. I knew the basics, but not the particulars.

Thanks Pat.

**Mean Max** · 08-09-2008, 10:24 PM

Good to know Pat!

Much like bearing part numbers, which also are indicative of the type/size of the actual bearing.

**timatoe** · 08-10-2008, 12:24 AM

The GoodYear belts are just as Pat described picked one up from AutoZone today for my OBA. The AutoZone brand Duralast belts are numbered basically backward from the GoodYear, like in Pat's example of the 69.0" belt the Duralast will have the first three number rather than the last three, 690XXX. To measure mine I used the wifes seamstress tape (she never uses it anyhow).

samsonitesamson · 08-14-2008, 05:22 PM

So I go to the dealer, and they say that my 93 2.5 should have 2, yes TWO, idler pulleys and that is why I can't find a belt to work, for one reason or another I only have one and and stuck with having to get a custom belt.

Brandon_YJ · 08-14-2008, 05:35 PM

Sometimes I think pat is that "old time" parts guy that Max mentioned.

**sentinal02** · 08-14-2008, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samsonitesamson

So I go to the dealer, and they say that my 93 2.5 should have 2, yes TWO, idler pulleys and that is why I can't find a belt to work, for one reason or another I only have one and and stuck with having to get a custom belt.

buy the idler pulley and put it in. i just went through something similar on my 4.0, though i was putting in OBA. my original setup was a 5 pulley with only 1 idler. the second idler was needed to put enough wrap on the alt pulley once the compressor was added to the mix to keep the belt from slipping under load. my first attempt i didn't take the time to look at the belt routing for the 6 pulley and routed it the way i thought it would be. it worked, but under heavy loads it still slipped even with the 2nd idler. it wasn't until i rerouted (with yet another belt) to the stock routing that i got rid of the squeal. at least i have a spare belt now that i know will work