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Alternator and A/C Belt Modification
#1

So many know about the issues with the belts for some of the alternator and A/C pulley configuration that does not have much belt contact on the pulleys. I am working on a modification for mine and will see how it works. I am using an off the shelf pulley and a custom bracket in order to make the belt wrap around the pulleys more. 

This is the new pulley mounted and I am testing the belt routing to make sure its in line. I am also measuring for the new belts. I have ordered some longer belts and am going to see how well they work. Once I have all this working I will post some specifics on what I used. 

   
   
   

Jeff LoGiudice
Temple Terrace, Fl & Loudon & Monterey, TN
1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT40
1998 Newell 2000 #490
1986 MCI/TMC 102A3 (sold)
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#2

(08-29-2026, 06:17 PM)[email protected] Wrote:  So many know about the issues with the belts for some of the alternator and A/C pulley configuration that does not have much belt contact on the pulleys. I am working on a modification for mine and will see how it works. I am using an off the shelf pulley and a custom bracket in order to make the belt wrap around the pulleys more. 

This is the new pulley mounted and I am testing the belt routing to make sure its in line. I am also measuring for the new belts. I have ordered some longer belts and am going to see how well they work. Once I have all this working I will post some specifics on what I used. 

Lemme know how this works out. I struggled with this for a long time. I think mine is charging decently

Dennis White
1997 Newell Coach 454
Canfield OH
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#3

Thumbs up! That is much better, great idea.

1999 45'  #504 "Magnolia"
Gravette, Arkansas
1996 40 XL Prevost Marathon 
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#4

(08-29-2026, 06:22 PM)whited44 Wrote:  
(08-29-2026, 06:17 PM)[email protected] Wrote:  So many know about the issues with the belts for some of the alternator and A/C pulley configuration that does not have much belt contact on the pulleys. I am working on a modification for mine and will see how it works. I am using an off the shelf pulley and a custom bracket in order to make the belt wrap around the pulleys more. 

This is the new pulley mounted and I am testing the belt routing to make sure its in line. I am also measuring for the new belts. I have ordered some longer belts and am going to see how well they work. Once I have all this working I will post some specifics on what I used. 

Lemme know how this works out. I struggled with this for a long time. I think mine is charging decently

I will keep you posted once I get my belts in and I know its not going to throw the belts off.

(08-30-2026, 03:55 AM)Jack Houpe Wrote:  Thumbs up! That is much better, great idea.

Yea, I am hoping it works well. I will know once I get the new belts on and test with the air conditioner running.

Jeff LoGiudice
Temple Terrace, Fl & Loudon & Monterey, TN
1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT40
1998 Newell 2000 #490
1986 MCI/TMC 102A3 (sold)
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#5

Keep an eye on the belt for cracking. Some say V belts are not designed to flex backwards. I not criticizing your idea in any way, just saying to monitor it. Even if it lasts a year, that will be better longevity than I had due to the belts slipping on the alternator

Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
95 Newell, 390  Ex caretaker
99 Newell, 512  Ex caretaker
07 Prevost Marathon, 1025
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home Cool )
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#6

(08-30-2026, 08:12 PM)Richard Wrote:  Keep an eye on the belt for cracking. Some say V belts are not designed to flex backwards.  I not criticizing your idea in any way, just saying to monitor it. Even if it lasts a year, that will be better longevity than I had due to the belts slipping on the alternator

Appreciate it Richard, your input is always accepted here! Did not know that v-belts should not be run backwards. I know it’s not automotive but I have several lawn tractors that they run the belt like this around a tensioning pulley. The belts do seem to be made differently though, wondering if they are made for this application. That will give me something to research in my “free” time. I would love to go with a multi rib belt but changing all the pulleys does not excite me or my pocketbook.

Jeff LoGiudice
Temple Terrace, Fl & Loudon & Monterey, TN
1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT40
1998 Newell 2000 #490
1986 MCI/TMC 102A3 (sold)
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#7

The notched belt may be more tolerant than a solid V. And yeah the reverse bend idler pulley is a COMMON approach on lawnmowers.

Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
95 Newell, 390  Ex caretaker
99 Newell, 512  Ex caretaker
07 Prevost Marathon, 1025
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home Cool )
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