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Alternator and A/C Belt Modification - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: Alternator and A/C Belt Modification (/showthread.php?tid=9084)


Alternator and A/C Belt Modification - [email protected] - 08-29-2026

So many know about the issues with the belts for some of the alternator and A/C pulley configuration that does not have much belt contact on the pulleys. I am working on a modification for mine and will see how it works. I am using an off the shelf pulley and a custom bracket in order to make the belt wrap around the pulleys more. 

This is the new pulley mounted and I am testing the belt routing to make sure its in line. I am also measuring for the new belts. I have ordered some longer belts and am going to see how well they work. Once I have all this working I will post some specifics on what I used. 

   
   
   

RE: Alternator and A/C Belt Modification - whited44 - 08-29-2026

(08-29-2026, 06:17 PM)[email protected] Wrote:  So many know about the issues with the belts for some of the alternator and A/C pulley configuration that does not have much belt contact on the pulleys. I am working on a modification for mine and will see how it works. I am using an off the shelf pulley and a custom bracket in order to make the belt wrap around the pulleys more. 

This is the new pulley mounted and I am testing the belt routing to make sure its in line. I am also measuring for the new belts. I have ordered some longer belts and am going to see how well they work. Once I have all this working I will post some specifics on what I used. 

Lemme know how this works out. I struggled with this for a long time. I think mine is charging decently

RE: Alternator and A/C Belt Modification - Jack Houpe - 08-30-2026

Thumbs up! That is much better, great idea.

RE: Alternator and A/C Belt Modification - [email protected] - 08-30-2026

(08-29-2026, 06:22 PM)whited44 Wrote:  
(08-29-2026, 06:17 PM)[email protected] Wrote:  So many know about the issues with the belts for some of the alternator and A/C pulley configuration that does not have much belt contact on the pulleys. I am working on a modification for mine and will see how it works. I am using an off the shelf pulley and a custom bracket in order to make the belt wrap around the pulleys more. 

This is the new pulley mounted and I am testing the belt routing to make sure its in line. I am also measuring for the new belts. I have ordered some longer belts and am going to see how well they work. Once I have all this working I will post some specifics on what I used. 

Lemme know how this works out. I struggled with this for a long time. I think mine is charging decently

I will keep you posted once I get my belts in and I know its not going to throw the belts off.
(08-30-2026, 03:55 AM)Jack Houpe Wrote:  Thumbs up! That is much better, great idea.

Yea, I am hoping it works well. I will know once I get the new belts on and test with the air conditioner running.

RE: Alternator and A/C Belt Modification - Richard - 08-30-2026

Keep an eye on the belt for cracking. Some say V belts are not designed to flex backwards. I not criticizing your idea in any way, just saying to monitor it. Even if it lasts a year, that will be better longevity than I had due to the belts slipping on the alternator

RE: Alternator and A/C Belt Modification - [email protected] - 08-31-2026

(08-30-2026, 08:12 PM)Richard Wrote:  Keep an eye on the belt for cracking. Some say V belts are not designed to flex backwards.  I not criticizing your idea in any way, just saying to monitor it. Even if it lasts a year, that will be better longevity than I had due to the belts slipping on the alternator

Appreciate it Richard, your input is always accepted here! Did not know that v-belts should not be run backwards. I know it’s not automotive but I have several lawn tractors that they run the belt like this around a tensioning pulley. The belts do seem to be made differently though, wondering if they are made for this application. That will give me something to research in my “free” time. I would love to go with a multi rib belt but changing all the pulleys does not excite me or my pocketbook.

RE: Alternator and A/C Belt Modification - Richard - 08-31-2026

The notched belt may be more tolerant than a solid V. And yeah the reverse bend idler pulley is a COMMON approach on lawnmowers.