7 replies to this topic

[Spannerhead]

I've just putting the finishing touches to the engine re-install. I threw the original fan belt away, as it was a bit knackered. I've got a new one from my local factors, and it's not even close to fitting. I took it back and he double checked it was the right one, and apparently it is.

It's an 825 - and it doesn't even reach to the bottom of the alternator wheel, let alone go over it.

And yes, I have completey slackened off the tensioner wheel so it's nowhere near it.

Any ideas people?

[Ethel]

The belts do come in various sizes, 1275 blocks are 3/8" taller than 998 & 1098's and there are also different diameter water pump pulleys. It may be as well to stick a tape measure round it

[Spannerhead]

It measures 930, so the trade ref books are all wrong!! Thought it was something I'd done, though not sure what. Cheers for that

[L400RAS]

Hi Spannerhead,

I see you have posted this in the Spi/Mpi section, so i take it your car is one; is it by any chance an MPI? If so, these do not have a fan belt as such - should be called an auxiliary drive belt. It is grooved, rather than toothed, and is much wider than a fan belt - around 1/2" or 13mm, pleas emake sure the one you have bought is of this type:
MRA minis site

[Spannerhead]

Hi Spannerhead,

I see you have posted this in the Spi/Mpi section, so i take it your car is one; is it by any chance an MPI? If so, these do not have a fan belt as such - should be called an auxiliary drive belt. It is grooved, rather than toothed, and is much wider than a fan belt - around 1/2" or 13mm, pleas emake sure the one you have bought is of this type:
MRA minis site

I've got the right type - 5 ridges, just the wrong length. Will be swapping it this morning.

[mykweb]

I've got the right type - 5 ridges, just the wrong length. Will be swapping it this morning.

I thought there was only one length for the Mpi. The local motor factors has never offered me a choice

Mike

[Ethel]

Yeah, I should have noticed it was an injection, I was gibbering on about old stylee V belts. You might find a manufacturer's catalogue online with some tech specs.

[aml1989]

Sorry for digging up an old post, but same problem here:

1275 MPI, changed the alternator and can't get the new auxiliary belt on. After the adjustor seized I took off the old belt with the aid of a knife and binned it so I can't compare length. The adjustor is now free and on its loosest setting, there is an air gap between the tensioner wheel and the new belt. Should I use more force, or is there another technique? Do I need a longer belt?

Current belt is the right width and 5x 'V' style, approx length 910mm from measuring with a rope (and says 925 on it).

Thanks in advance,
Andy.

EDIT: Got it! Used the aforementioned rope to wiggle the belt over the alternator.
Just letting the irony soak in that I didn't want to use too much force in case I broke the auxiliary belt, then when I did apply force it was the plastic buckle on my trouser belt that parted!

Edited by aml1989, 25 August 2016 - 05:47 PM.