belt tensioners?

[AKA-None]

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

Hi, have seen a turnbuckle with an eye fitting each end used in lieu of the adjustment arm, looked very practical.

I’ve used this before but only if there is room

[deblen]

Here is a link with specs for OEM 966906 VP 2003 FW cooled belt..
It is not a standard A width belt-I learned the hard way.
The belt & pulleys is 11mm wide,& will last a long while if you use a good quality sub, or OEM VP.
https://ca-vbeltguys.glopalstore.com..._US&utm_term=b

[Russian007]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Did you get the water pump fixed? If so I would settle for what you have and just go with it.

Yes, I got a rebuilt used pump from Netherlands. So you guys are confusing me, just ignore manufacturer's spec of .20" of play on belt? .20" is quite snug actually. 1/2" is what I was always taught.

[rslifkin]

If I remember correctly, the guideline is something like 1/2" per foot of span between pulleys. So if it's only 6" of belt, you'd want 1/4". But generally, as long as it's tight enough that it's not slipping and squealing or making dust, it's fine.

[jamhass]

On my 2003 I simply added a short bolt and nut to the adjustment arm a bit "below" where the alternator should sit when the belt is properly adjusted. This gives a nice fulcrum with which to lever the alternator into position without prying on all the nearby "sensitive" bits, such as the various coolant pipes. Cheap, easy and most importantly, works.

[skipperpete]

It’s less about the tension and more about the pulley wrap, if the vee belt has only a slight deflection over any one of the pulleys, that pulley will slip and wear the belt, especially if its a high load item. If the wraps are adequate, the belt tension can be less and the weakest link ( circ pump) will be less likely to burn a bearing.

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by jamhass

On my 2003 I simply added a short bolt and nut to the adjustment arm a bit "below" where the alternator should sit when the belt is properly adjusted. This gives a nice fulcrum with which to lever the alternator into position without prying on all the nearby "sensitive" bits, such as the various coolant pipes. Cheap, easy and most importantly, works.

Here is another solution:

[SVTatia]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

Here is another solution:

Isn't this belt upside down?[emoji848]

[Jammer]

No, it has "cogs" on the top side on the theory that they add more contact area without making the belt stiffer.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by SVTatia

Isn't this belt upside down?[emoji848]

Known as a "top cog" belt.
Our 30yr experience is that they last much longer than a typical belt.
https://www.c-rproducts.com/products...%20belt%20life.

[SVTatia]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Known as a "top cog" belt.

Our 30yr experience is that they last much longer than a typical belt.

https://www.c-rproducts.com/products...%20belt%20life.

Thanks boatpoker and jammer, news to me, good to know.