How much do bus belts stretch?

[harleyman_1000]

 I just put a block heater in my bus, and the old belt is now to short, because of the alternator being so close to the block heater.    My question is how much do these belts stretch on our buses? The problem I'm facing is the po put a dash air in and the compressor is very close to the alternator, so I will only have about 2 inches of adjustment.

[eagle19952]

Basically if you can get it over the pulley .... It will work .... If not it won't they really don't stretch ....

[Ace]

Not to dispute any claims but I ran the same belt for quite some time and found out IT was what was causing me a run hot problem, so yes it did stretch!


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[Beesme]

Hate to dispute but I run a maint crew in a very big machine shop. We buy top grade belts specially made for us  on all spindles.. Yes belts stretch !!!  They cup they stretch  just a fact!

[harleyman_1000]

 Ok well then I will need to move my ac compressor a couple inches to the right so I have room for adjustment.

[eagle19952]

Hate to dispute but I run a maint crew in a very big machine shop. We buy top grade belts specially made for us  on all spindles.. Yes belts stretch !!!  They cup they stretch  just a fact!

so
Do tell other than wear ... How do you stretch a belt that is to short ... I and others may find it handy to know ....

[sparkplug188]

Donald- That is an easy one!  Just wrap it tight around two pulleys and wait a few years.  They always stretch when you don't want them to.  I wish there was a way to quickly extend a belt a half inch or so!  I can't tell you how many times I have bought belts that were just a little too short.

[Ace]

I used to build 1/4 scale 22cc radio controlled cars and we ran a XL037 cogged belt and although after racing 500 low six second laps, plus practice laps and qualifying races, the belt would be obviously looser than before it started out. Very little if any wear at all but my belief is the heat generated causes the belt to stretch. Of course sometimes during the main race you'd experience a broken belt but mainly due to a loose flopping belt.
Just one personal experience and like I said earlier, the belt on my bus mysteriously grew over the years and wouldn't turn the fan fast enough to run cool temps at higher speeds!
Also if you google the question "do fan belts stretch"? You will find interesting answers to back this up!


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[eagle19952]

Spark I do not think he has a few years ... The city wants the bus moved tomorrow
Ace my sister could stretch your puny little belt lemme see what you can do with a B86 ....

[harleyman_1000]

Well actually I have until Friday

[sparkplug188]

Can the engine be turned by hand?  -without unintentionally starting it?  It would probably be a good idea to lock the fuel shutoff lever closed with some vice grips.  If it can be rotated by hand, you might be able to get the belt started on the pulley then rotate the engine to pull it on the rest of the way.

[harleyman_1000]

 It is way to short now and will crush the block heater, but I got 3 different size belts from a friend that I'm going to try tomorrow

[Ace]

A belt is a belt! Doesn't matter how big or small, the principle still applies!
Yea I heard that, and more, about your sister!


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[eagle19952]

Well I never guessed you'd take that personal and although the principle is the same I can break/stretch 3 old six pack beer holders and so can my sister but both of us together can't stretch a DD fan belt so I m guessing you can't either there really is no comparison between the belt your describing and the one on a bus
Ps insult me all you want but leave my sister out of it

[eagle19952]

Smh

A belt is a belt! Doesn't matter how big or small, the principle still applies!
Yea I heard that, and more, about your sister!


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