Alternator Belt

New to me 8N, side mount distributor. After about 2 hours running started squealing (belt) at higher engine speed. Slowly raising the speed kept it manageable but finally got too bad. Tractor is converted to 12V, Delco alternator. I observed that the alternator pulley was not in the same plane as the crank and fan, it was also cocked a little sideways – so I decided I needed to correct the problem. Removed alternator, hammered brackets back square (homemade), re-installed with the belt nicely lined up and tight. Still squealed (worse!). Found my old can of “Cling Surface” belt dressing and applied to the sides of the V-belt – no improvement. FINALLY – realized that the pulleys on the fan and crank were made for a wider belt and the pulley on the alternator was ½” wide. The belt was also ½” and the inside belt surface was trying to do the driving (as opposed to the sides like they are designed). I applied the belt dressing to the inside surface of the belt and the squeal stopped. QUESTION: I think I should have a wider belt; can I get a new pulley for the alternator? What do other owners do?
 
I just went through tht on a conversion here.
Bought the alternator from Napa but it had a 7/16" pully. I needed one for a half inch.
They ordered a 1/2" pulley for me. I think it was about $10.
Bring your alternator along and they should be able to fix you up.
Another way, if you have access to a lathe is to cut your 1/2" pulley wider.

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They may sell 1/2 wide (recessed for nut) at this site.
I went to "electric motor service, bought the smallest in diameter for faster speed. that fit the alternator pulley.
I then went to my favorite private machine shop with the alternator, and said "recesses it so I can get the nut on with a socket"
Machine shop time and fixed.
BTDT
Charles Krammin SW MI
 
V-belts get their grip by expanding as they flex around a pulley into the pulley sides. A too wide pulley or too small of belt width causes the belt to ride at the bottom of the pulley, losing much traction.

Pete
 

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