JimB Posted October 6, 2020 Report Posted October 6, 2020 So I am in process of replacing my propeller and figured it was a good idea to replace the alternator belt while it is off. I was researching on here for recommendations and part numbers and saw a lot of references to Gates belts. After getting the part number of the belt on my aircraft (Lycoming PN 37A19773-376) I thought I could find a alternative belt. In Googling things I came across this FAA InFO and this information on the Gates website. Just thought I would share. Guess I will stick with the more expensive Lycoming belt (that is probably made by Gates anyway...). https://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info/all_infos/media/2015/InFO15007.pdf http://gatesbeltsandapplications.blogspot.com/2010/01/aircraft-applications.html 1 Quote
Delta Posted October 6, 2020 Report Posted October 6, 2020 For the case of the Hartzell alternator(s), the STC references a belt part number. See Note 1 of the drawings in the STC. See page 18 for the SAL12-70 drawing. https://planepower.aero/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/STC-SA10682SC-AFMS-002-14-0000-PP.pdf Quote
WaynePierce Posted October 6, 2020 Report Posted October 6, 2020 I bet they got sued by the homebuilder and the Lawyers for Gates said, "no more". Quote
cferr59 Posted October 6, 2020 Report Posted October 6, 2020 It seems like they were using a car timing belt to run a helicopter rotor. I'd be a bit more comfortable with an car alternator belt driving an airplane alternator even if it wasn't technically legal. 3 Quote
laytonl Posted October 7, 2020 Report Posted October 7, 2020 Gates makes good aviation belts. Lee 1 Quote
carusoam Posted October 7, 2020 Report Posted October 7, 2020 My M20C had a gates belt on it... it lasted forever... Like the OP, when the prop came off, it got swapped out as a preemptive move... Back in the day, people would hang a spare on the motor, tied back out of the way... In the event of the belt’s failure, the spare could be brought forwards without needing the prop to be removed first... Realistically, radiator hoses and belts last for decades in crummy hot environments... compared to similar products back in the 70s.... Scary to me, would be using an unknown quality belt to do something important... like drive a tail rotor... For fun, take a look at the Raptor plane project... lots of horsepower, driving a heavy plane, turning the prop, with a pair of drive belts... Some motorcycles use this technology as well... Belt technology sure has come a long way... PP thoughts only, not a mechanic... Best regards, -a- Quote
Yetti Posted October 7, 2020 Report Posted October 7, 2020 Believe it was using the big blower 2" belt and sprockets as a PRU for propellers. 1 Quote
carusoam Posted October 7, 2020 Report Posted October 7, 2020 https://planepower.aero/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/STC-SA10682SC-AFMS-002-14-0000-PP.pdf Livened up Delta’s link... https://planepower.aero/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/STC-SA10682SC-AFMS-002-14-0000-PP.pdf -a- 1 Quote
GeeBee Posted October 7, 2020 Report Posted October 7, 2020 I used to work in an auto supply in college. Gates were and still are considered a premium belt. Fully molded, encased fibers. I had one on my PA-18. They turn at far higher speeds in automobiles than airplanes. Quote
Guest Posted October 7, 2020 Report Posted October 7, 2020 We’re taking about saving $100 while spending thousands on a new propeller. When I have a propeller off for its 10 year overhaul a new belt or belts go on. It costs way more to do it after the fact. Clarence Quote
kmyfm20s Posted October 7, 2020 Report Posted October 7, 2020 For what it’s worth when I had my 182 I had a belt break. Luck would have it I was in a place to have it easily repaired. At the time I was flying to remote airstrips and Mexico a lot. I realized I would have been really screwed if this happen on one of those flights. For that plane and then my J when the prop was off I put an extra belt on and zip tied it out of the way. If the current belt breaks you don’t have to remove the prop and can use some simple tools. 1 Quote
tmo Posted October 7, 2020 Report Posted October 7, 2020 Don't some go as far as put on a second belt, just to get it past the prop when it is off, just so when the need arises, they can cut the bad belt, remove, put the spare one on and tighten? Quote
neilpilot Posted October 7, 2020 Report Posted October 7, 2020 17 minutes ago, tmo said: Don't some go as far as put on a second belt, just to get it past the prop when it is off, just so when the need arises, they can cut the bad belt, remove, put the spare one on and tighten? You mean as described by kmyfm20s just prior to your post? 1 Quote
WaynePierce Posted October 7, 2020 Report Posted October 7, 2020 3 minutes ago, neilpilot said: You mean as described by kmyfm20s just prior to your post? Dang, you're tough! :-) Quote
Guest Posted October 7, 2020 Report Posted October 7, 2020 8 hours ago, kmyfm20s said: For what it’s worth when I had my 182 I had a belt break. Luck would have it I was in a place to have it easily repaired. At the time I was flying to remote airstrips and Mexico a lot. I realized I would have been really screwed if this happen on one of those flights. For that plane and then my J when the prop was off I put an extra belt on and zip tied it out of the way. If the current belt breaks you don’t have to remove the prop and can use some simple tools. While it might get you home, by the time you need it it will be as hard and brittle as the original. Clarence Quote
Mark89114 Posted October 7, 2020 Report Posted October 7, 2020 3 hours ago, M20Doc said: While it might get you home, by the time you need it it will be as hard and brittle as the original. Clarence I was wondering what the life cycle of said 2nd belt it. Not exactly a benign environment. Quote
kmyfm20s Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 4 hours ago, M20Doc said: While it might get you home, by the time you need it it will be as hard and brittle as the original. Clarence But it gets you home:) Quote
Missile=Awesome Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 Prop off now. Thanks for the preventative reminder. Belt changed. 1 Quote
Yetti Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 I don't think the second belt will be any good when you need it. I have one of these on the hat rack. And a couple year old belt as the primary. https://www.rockler.com/1-2-power-twist-plus-link-v-belt?country=US&sid=V91041&promo=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=PL&tid=pla&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=(NX)_Shopping_-_C&msclkid=669a91ff0cc61d24fb7ece818a3cf74f Quote
Guest Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 9 hours ago, Missile=Awesome said: Prop off now. Thanks for the preventative reminder. Belt changed. Does your Missile have a belt? Which model of Continental engine is it? Clarence Quote
Missile=Awesome Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 9 hours ago, M20Doc said: Does your Missile have a belt? Which model of Continental engine is it? Clarence Good question Doc. Coni 550A. Is alternator not belt driven? Quote
Missile=Awesome Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 I am in northern Wi at cabins. Just sat down after hunt for an apple and gateraide zero. On cue a 172 turned base to final for 32. A little burble and disappeared behind fall colors trees. spectacular! Quote
Guest Posted October 8, 2020 Report Posted October 8, 2020 4 hours ago, Missile=Awesome said: Good question Doc. Coni 550A. Is alternator not belt driven? If yours looks like this one, you have a gear driven alternator. Clarence Quote
Guest Posted October 9, 2020 Report Posted October 9, 2020 Reinstalling a propeller on an SR22 after its 10 year overhaul. The new Continental alternator drive belt is made by Mitsubishi off shore, the old belt was made in Mexico. Clarence Quote
Missile=Awesome Posted October 9, 2020 Report Posted October 9, 2020 1 hour ago, M20Doc said: If yours looks like this one, you have a gear driven alternator. Clarence Hmmmm. OK Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.