Alternator Belt - Napa - XL 25 7430 - seems too long

[philstade]

The locking bolt on the alternator snapped which led to one of the belts breaking which led to me reading how to get the alternator off and now that's done. The belt that was on my Delica was a Mitsubishi V98DLM430 and when I compare it to the 7430 I find it is about 1.25" shorter. Is it going to be okay to use the Napa 7430?

[Fishtank]

Welcome to the Forum.

Look at this thread HERE for some answers that may help you in your quest for alternator belts. I recommend getting a matched set.

In the future, use the "Search" button at the top to help you find what you need.

[JMK]

I went back and updated that post. As far as I can remember, the 7430 should be the correct belt, I had no idea that perhaps you may be able to go shorter, does NAPA offer a 7425 belt? If they do, and you try one, please update the other thread and perhaps we'll get the WIki updated too.

[philstade]

I just finished putting the new belts on and running the engine for a while. The Napa 7430's worked fine... after I tried the first 2 and then went back for a matched pair! There was nearly 1/4" difference in the first 2 belts. If they have a 7425 I'll try that next time since there is only about 3/4" of thread left on the adjusting bolt to work with.

As mentioned in a number of places, getting at the alternator adjusting bolt is a problem. I gave up trying and put a nut on the other end of the adjusting bolt. Now any time I want I can tweak the alternator belt tension from the top of the engine. Works like a charm and highly recommended over trying to get at the head of the bolt through the wheel well!

[JMK]

I gave up with trying to tension using a long socket via the wheel well method, on my machine the head of the bolt is on too steep of an angle, probably because I used those overly long NAPA belts to start with! (Maybe those 7425 belts would make it easier to use the wheel well method). I take the seat out, and remove the inspection plate and the cross member, then use a box end wrench. I find the belts like to squeal when cold if they are not always snugged right up, so I always worry about over tensioning and wearing the bearings out sooner rather than later.

I'm trying to picture in my mind what you did by putting this nut on, but can't quite figure out how that works. I thought I remembered that the bolt goes through a threaded cog that moves the alternator and thus tensions it doesn't it? If you're using a nut to move it instead, does that involve stripping the threads in that cog so that the nut is forcing the alternator along the adjusting bolt?

[philstade]

I ran a nut onto the end of the long threaded adjustment bolt and drilled and pinned it so that I could turn the adjustment bolt from the engine end rather than the wheel well end. Works great. Can't imagine why the manufacturer didn't produce it this way. Of course the locking bolt and pivot bolt need to be loosened before adjustments. The photo is taken looking down from the passenger side.

P1012549a.jpg (145.48 KiB) Viewed 3041 times

[JMK]

Wow, great idea, thanks!

So it makes me think there should be some sort of award, like the 'best modification of the year award' or something.

If we can find sponsors for that award, I'll nominate your post to be in the running.