Jeff Hamilton
Member
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?