IO-360 alternator belts

[bradp]

The Lycoming part is 37A-19773-376.  It is 7/16 in thick at the greatest (outer circumference).  Its outer circumference is 35 5/8".

What's sitting on my plane now is the Lycoming.  It is made by Gates but has a part number that does not reference to any other Gates PN.  

The closest sized Gates 7/16" belts are 7355, which measures 36+7/16" and 7345, which measures 35+3/8" outer circumference.  They are different in that the Lycoming has an outer fiberglass backing and an internal fiberglass reinforcement, whereas the Gates auto belts are rubber with an internal fiberglass reinforcement only. 

YMMV. 

[carusoam]

Let’s invite @M20Doc (alternator belt question)

-a-

[N201MKTurbo]

What’s wrong with using the lycoming belt except the price? 
 

I was helping a guy do a prop change and asked where he got the belt. He said he read online that it was the same as the Lycoming belt. I made him buy a Lycoming belt.

[carusoam]

What part of the world does Gates build their belts in?

If it’s China… they are still trying to figure out their Covid plan without buying vaccines from other countries…

Best regards,

-a-

[N201MKTurbo]

1 hour ago, carusoam said:

What part of the world does Gates build their belts in?

If it’s China… they are still trying to figure out their Covid plan without buying vaccines from other countries…

Best regards,

-a-

Gates used to make all their belts in Denver. I don’t know if that is still the case or not.

[N201MKTurbo]

I just looked it up Gates has most of its manufacturing facilities in the USA with a few plants in Mexico.

[Guest]

On my homebuilts I use a NAPA belt, on everything else I use the Lycoming or Continental belt and change them every 10 years to coincide with out 10 year propeller overhaul.  Never had one fail under this program.

[vorlon1]

Are both of these belts within the tension adjustment range of the alternator? I would guess so, but it would be great to know for sure. 

[A64Pilot]

This is not something that the tiny bit of money saved is worth it. There IS a difference in the Lycoming belt.

Gates does make some good belts, green stripe come to mind, but the belt they build to Lycomings spec is worth it.

[PT20J]

According to Lycoming SI 1129, they use 3/8” or 1/2” belts.