Fan belt question.

[Richard Webb]

I wanted to change my fan belt yesterday as I suspected the old one might be slipping. Been meaning to do it for ages due to the fact I thought it might be the wrong one anyhow as I have a major issue trying to get No: 1 spark plug out, the alternator is so close to the head. Anyhow, fitted the new fan belt, 1088mm long, and found out it was the same length as the old one. Is this just the norm for Triumph making my life difficult. Triumph Spitfire 1500 with 1300 motor replacement. Any advice would be great, or I'll just have to live with it.

The 1088 belt is from Rimmer Brothers for my car.

[65redspit]

Hi

I had this issue but fitted a race style alternator tensioner and trimmed it
to fit.

Not only does it make the adjustment really easy, no lever bars needed, it also irons out the differences in minor belt size differences…

You can see it in this photo :o))

eBay listing 185052086831

[Clive]

You could work out how long a belt you would like. The easiest way is to cut an old belt, work out how much longer or shorter it should be, then order the length. Plan b us to use some thick cord or electrical flex etc (it needs to sit at the top of the pullys) to get the length.

And yes, for some reason no1 plug access is tight. 

[Richard Webb]

Thanks guys, will do that, check the length I need. I understand No: 1 plug being difficult, but mine is nearly impossible, have to put a plug socket in and loosen it with a spanner, can't get the socket extension on the socket at all.

[Richard Webb]

65redspit, would you know what length your belt is? looking at the picture, you have twice as much room than I do.

[65redspit]

Hi 

This is my belt, I have created extra access to no1 plug by using the tensioning rod to move the alternator outboard a fraction (now have easy access)…

 

[Martins Stag]

I have one of those adjusters on my Stag too very good.... 

[standardthread]

On 25/06/2023 at 08:51, 65redspit said:

Hi

I had this issue but fitted a race style alternator tensioner and trimmed it
to fit.

Not only does it make the adjustment really easy, no lever bars needed, it also irons out the differences in minor belt size differences…

You can see it in this photo :o))

eBay listing 185052086831

Pity they are made in China.

Would prefer a UK manufacture but then they would be no good on a Dolomite because of the battery position.

Have you looked at a smaller alternator pulley?

Edited June 26, 2023 by standardthread

[thescrapman]

Don’t forget pulley sizes may have changed between 1300 and 1500.

you have a bigger crank pulley on a large crank engine to drive alternator faster than dynamo.

does water pump pulley change? 

Obviously alternator pulley is smaller.

interestingly the belt shown is 1075mm long, so actually shorter.

just buy a slightly longer one that 1088mm

[Richard Webb]

Thanks guys, will have to look for a longer belt. Will first do the rope trick to see what sort of length I need. Still plenty of adjustment on the original adjuster on the block.