> Can we use a 7/8" belt on our pulleys?
I don't recall offhand which one I settled on, but the 7/8" width will work
with our pulleys. In truth, neither 3/4" nor 7/8" is exactly correct, but
both are "close enough".
However, since the 7/8" belt rides higher in the pulleys, the lengths are
not strictly comparable. IIRC, the TR24379 actually winds up being
effectively longer than the TR28386.
And none of them are particularly easy to change. The original belt was a
bear to change as well. One way of dealing with the problem is to loosen
the rear generator bolt and completely remove the front lower bolt. Install
the belt over the pulleys, then install the front generator bolt and
partially tighten the rear bolt. Then set the belt tension and fully
tighten both lower bolts.
Another, more risky way is to lay the belt into the generator and crankshaft
pulley grooves, then pull it up over the water pump nose. Then jam a small
screwdriver or similar between the belt and the water pump pulley groove,
and bump the starter to walk the belt into the groove (while praying the
screwdriver doesn't wind up sticking through the radiator).
Either way, the last step is to double-check that both lower bolts are fully
tight. It's very common for them to work loose and ruin the generator end
plates and/or the mounts before the problem gets noticed. I also suggest
replacing the lock washers if they haven't been replaced recently, as they
do lose tension over time.
-- Randall
triumphs@autox.team.net
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