New fan belt loose

Dixie · Dixie's Garage

I have a question regarding the lat. belt I hope someone can answer.

The fan belt on my new-to-me '88 Carrera was loose. So I tightened it. Since it ended up with 1 shim in, and 5 out, I bought a new belt. Upon installation, it fit the same. 1 shim in, 5 shims out. What gives? I would have expected to have a 3/3 split?

Jim Sims · 03-20-2005, 03:54 PM

Assuming by out you mean under the nut and cupped washer on the outside of the puley; then the belt's too long. Try one size shorter.

masraum · 03-20-2005, 04:01 PM

I bought a belt for my '88 at the local parts house, and also bought one from Pelican. They both fit like that. I actually ended up putting all 6 shims on the outside. I've read at some point on this forum that the original belts were cut slightly different (the V-angle was wider, I think) and since they aren't made the same anymore they don't fit as well.

I guess the main point of my post is to let you know that you aren't alone. I had the same issue with a couple of belts, but they worked fine.

MGN54 · 03-20-2005, 06:12 PM

I just replaced the belt on mine this weekend. Got a Gates belt. Size indicated on the sleeve was 9.5 x 725mm. I ended up with two spacers against the alternator and the other under the nut. Seemed to work fine on my way to the club races today at Texas World Speedway. For reference, the one I took off had no spacers against the alternator and all of them under the nut! Been that way for a good many years and worked fine. Belt I took off seemed to be same size as Gates I put on. Will check slack this week now that it got a few miles on it.

Mark

a911 · 03-21-2005, 01:12 AM

Before i changed belt there were 1 shim in pulley others on nut. I replaced and took 5 shims to pulley and 1 on nut and it was fine.

sammyg2 · 03-21-2005, 08:22 AM

Culd be wear on the pulley surfaces if an old belt was slipping. Either that or they are just longer.
Also, V belts stretch in the first several hours of service, it's good practice to check again and adjust if it gets loose.

Britwrench · 03-21-2005, 10:04 AM

3.2 Carrera models use 999 192 176 50 which is the 10x710 belt. The 725 is too long.

Wil Ferch · 03-21-2005, 10:38 AM

Actually....9.5 x 710, for 3.2's.

The "common" replacement is usually a "fits-all" 9.5/10 x 710....which can cause problems. Find a "proper" 9.5 (width) x 710.

Wil

Britwrench · 12:35 PM

9.5 are generally no longer in production and have been replaced by the 10 size, that is the only one listed by Continental and the other major manufacturers.
This also applies to AC belts which have gone to 13 from 12.5.
You'll probably find most repair shops use the Conti belts.
To my knowledge and experience there are no problems as long as the belt is correctly tensioned and the pullies are in good condition; install and tension belt, run for 15 mintues and then check again.

I looked at the Porsche "official" belt and it is written as a 9.5x710. Never had trouble with either belts.

}{arlequin · }{arlequin's Garage

do you guys get your belts at the local Autozone, PepBoys, etc? or online? or local independed Porsche shop?

I need one soon and if I don't find a Continental, is there anything else that's good?

Wil Ferch · 03-22-2005, 11:15 AM

I like the kind with the serrations on the inside surface...they seem to be able to bend tighter with no distress...I know Goodyear makes OEM fitment as does Conti....perhaps a good Gates isn't bad either.....

Wil

}{arlequin · }{arlequin's Garage

just picked some up from a dealership... $15 each, it has the smooth inside, made by GoodYear

the one on my car had cracks in between the "cogs" but it may be due to the age... not sure if there's any other difference between the designs

Dixie · Dixie's Garage

Thanks,

I'll have to try a belt from the dealership.