Posts: 819
Threads: 40
Joined: Jun 2023
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.
Jeff LoGiudice
Temple Terrace, Fl & Loudon & Monterey, TN
1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT40
1998 Newell 2000 #490
1986 MCI/TMC 102A3 (sold)
Posts: 236
Threads: 14
Joined: May 2017
(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
Dennis White
1997 Newell Coach 454
Canfield OH
Posts: 1,627
Threads: 80
Joined: Sep 2022
Thumbs up! That is much better, great idea.
1999 45' #504 "Magnolia"
Gravette, Arkansas
1996 40 XL Prevost Marathon
Posts: 819
Threads: 40
Joined: Jun 2023
(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.
Jeff LoGiudice
Temple Terrace, Fl & Loudon & Monterey, TN
1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT40
1998 Newell 2000 #490
1986 MCI/TMC 102A3 (sold)
Posts: 5,983
Threads: 268
Joined: Jul 2012
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
Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
95 Newell, 390 Ex caretaker
99 Newell, 512 Ex caretaker
07 Prevost Marathon, 1025
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home

)
Posts: 819
Threads: 40
Joined: Jun 2023
(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.
Jeff LoGiudice
Temple Terrace, Fl & Loudon & Monterey, TN
1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT40
1998 Newell 2000 #490
1986 MCI/TMC 102A3 (sold)
Posts: 5,983
Threads: 268
Joined: Jul 2012
The notched belt may be more tolerant than a solid V. And yeah the reverse bend idler pulley is a COMMON approach on lawnmowers.
Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
95 Newell, 390 Ex caretaker
99 Newell, 512 Ex caretaker
07 Prevost Marathon, 1025
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home

)