Matched pair of belts.

[JDCAVE]

When I first bought Phoenix Hunter, a well regarded mechanic, since retired, advised me to put a second belt on the harmonic balancer/water pump/alternator. These should be a matched pair of belts. This I did. It is now time to replace these and I have a spare matched pair, but when I went to Lordco to buy them the desk guy told me they no longer carried them and said I should be fine with two of the same belt. He said they’d replace them if they failed. I said that wouldn’t help me in the middle of nowhere!

Should I be concerned with obtaining a matched pair or should I just get two of the same belt?

Jim

 

[Comodave]

It appears that they don’t sell them anymore. I was told to get 2 from the same date of manufacture. There is supposed to be a date code on the belts.

 

[Sealife]

The manufacturer tolerances have become much better. Just buy a high quality belt like gates, and it should be fine.

 

[hmason]

Now that belts are cut by computer driven lasers they all come off the line the same. No worries about matching.

 

[FF]

While its probably true that new computer created belts are better , buy 2 sets (4 belts) , you will be better able to match a pair , and a second set on board is good insurance.

 

[TWedd]

I deal with multiple belt systems every day. Matched belts have not been available for a long time. Install two new fresh belts, adjust them properly and they will be "matched" after a few hours of run time. Monitor the tension. Aside from an initial re-tension, I seldom adjust belts, if they stretch enough to need tightening, I just replace them. It takes the same amount of effort to adjust them as to replace them.....generally. YMMV.

 

[JDCAVE]

Very good guys!

Thanks

Jim