ps pump position set bolt(the belt saga continues)

[George Selby]

At 08:36 AM 2/20/02, you wrote:
>Does anyone see any reason it would be bad to just use whatever
>belt size fits best on a particular engine, even if it's not the one
>spec'ed for the car, thereby making it the new "right" size that that
>particular car?

Because it's torture trying to buy a belt by size anymore.  I had an Isuzu
4x4 pickup, and I decided to put on a larger alternator to run my
winch.  The case was much larger than the stock one, so a spacer was
provided to give the alternator room to adjust.  The belt size needed was 1
inch longer than the stock belt, and the alternator manufacturer
recommended Goodyear High-Miler belts (which are in fact great, they were
the only ones that didn't squeak under a heavy load by the alternator.)  So
went to Goodyear and asked them to look up the belt for my truck, then
bring me one 1 inch longer, which is easy to do once you understand the
belt numbering system.  Well, I had to explain the whole situation to him,
then he still wanted to see the truck before he would sell me a $20
belt!!!  I couldn't drive the truck, as it had no water pump or alternator
running without belt, but he finally sold the belt to me anyway, after
warning there would be no warranty or refund to due poor fit.

I saved the box, so I could just ask for the belt by number the next
time.  About two years later, it was time.  I went down and asked for the
belt number.  He asked what kind of vehicle.  I said it didn't matter, just
give me this number belt.  He wouldn't do it.  I had to give him the
vehicle.  He then brings up the wrong belt.  I tell him, that's not the one
I need, give me the one I asked for.  He insists it's the wrong size, so I
have to go over the whole explanation again, about the non-stock alternator
and all.  He finally sells me the belt.  It's a true pain.  Just give me
what I ask for!!!!!  Both times the employee took a 3 minute transaction
and turned it into a 30 minute sales event.



George Selby
83 Audi Coupe GT
gselby4x4 at earthlink.net