Belts - Are matched pairs still available?

[Ostinato]

I have two diesels, each of which require two belts to run house bank alternators. It is too expensive to switch them over to serpentine belt system but I have a hard time finding matched pairs of belts.

Part shops say matched pairs are no longer available or necessary but when I can't match a batch number, the belts are inevitably not the same length even though they have the same belt number. They are close but when you tension them one belt is carrying most of the load.

Does anybody have a source them? The last ones I've found were in the UK.

[Blue Stocking]

Aren't Gates Greenstripe available to matched pairs ?

[Ostinato]

Not that I am aware of but I could be and hope I am wrong. I've heard good things about Dayco Top Cog belts too but again not paired to my knowledge.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by Ostinato

I have two diesels, each of which require two belts to run house bank alternators. It is too expensive to switch them over to serpentine belt system but I have a hard time finding matched pairs of belts.

Part shops say matched pairs are no longer available or necessary but when I can't match a batch number, the belts are inevitably not the same length even though they have the same belt number. They are close but when you tension them one belt is carrying most of the load.

Does anybody have a source them? The last ones I've found were in the UK.

"Part shops say matched pairs are no longer available" Well, that's not true because I recently purchased a pair for my engine (Volvo). If a matched pair of belts are specified for your engine, I suggest going to an authorized dealer or service center.

[DeepFrz]

I'm not sure if this link will help you or not.
Gates Belts, Hoses, and Applications: V-belt Matching

[Ostinato]

DeepFrz that a very useful link. First real data I seen on this issue and reinforces rwidman's thought. Thanks.

[rwidman]

I should add that the Volvo parts guy thought the number I gave him was for a single belt but it was actually a pair in a single package.

[BrianLWheeler]

Originally Posted by Ostinato

I have two diesels, each of which require two belts to run house bank alternators. It is too expensive to switch them over to serpentine belt system but I have a hard time finding matched pairs of belts.

Part shops say matched pairs are no longer available or necessary but when I can't match a batch number, the belts are inevitably not the same length even though they have the same belt number. They are close but when you tension them one belt is carrying most of the load.

Does anybody have a source them? The last ones I've found were in the UK.

Hey everyone! Brian from DAYCO here. DAYCO still does offer matched sets of v-belts, and is one of the only companies still matching belts to specific sizes. Our Online Catalog at DaycoProducts.com is a great place to start. If you have any additional questions, please let me know. We're here to help.

Brian

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Ostinato

Not that I am aware of but I could be and hope I am wrong. I've heard good things about Dayco Top Cog belts too but again not paired to my knowledge.

I had a situation that was real tough on belts, I was always a Greenstripe guy , but tried a Top Cog and it was a superb belt!

[Roger L]

McMaster Carr advertises matched sets. They're usually the first place I look for oddball parts.
McMaster-Carr
good luck, Roger L

[mcdermitt]

there is a machinery supply company MSC that has mached belts at least B size belts we use on mixers you can look up there web site no problem buying from them they have locations all over country