I'm going to change my Ford's V-belt to the alternator. It is the ordinary type. Is there an advantage/disadvantage to using a V-belt that's "toothed/notched"? Why the toothed design? I understand it can flex better when hugging the pulley, but there's less meat at the notches and this makes it weaker.
Regular vs "Toothed" V belt, which is better?
- Thread starter berniedd
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Supposedly they run cooler. I would consider it mostly a marketing ploy.
Although I have used both types of belts on the same vehicle, I can't say for sure what the benefit was/is of the toothed/notched belt. I believe the one I bought/used was a Good/Year IIRC.
I didn't have any issues with the toothed/notched belt that I can remember. However, I guess if you're not having any issues(slipping/squealing etc.) with your standard V-belt then I'd stick with it and just get a good one. Either the OE(MotorCraft) or Oh IDK, a GATES belt?
And too, if this is the only time you will be replacing the V-belt, you may in fact want to stay with OE and do it...once & done!
I didn't have any issues with the toothed/notched belt that I can remember. However, I guess if you're not having any issues(slipping/squealing etc.) with your standard V-belt then I'd stick with it and just get a good one. Either the OE(MotorCraft) or Oh IDK, a GATES belt?
And too, if this is the only time you will be replacing the V-belt, you may in fact want to stay with OE and do it...once & done!
It's the fabric that carries the tension, not the rubber, so bear that in mind.
Then consider that as it wraps around the pulley, the rubber in the narrow part of the V has to go somewhere, so it goes into compression (squished)…
So yes, I completely agree with automotive accessory belts having the interior toblerone style.
(Industrial belt drives no, as the pulley radius is generally much larger, and the contact patch is more required)
Then consider that as it wraps around the pulley, the rubber in the narrow part of the V has to go somewhere, so it goes into compression (squished)…
So yes, I completely agree with automotive accessory belts having the interior toblerone style.
(Industrial belt drives no, as the pulley radius is generally much larger, and the contact patch is more required)
Lots of claims have been made over the years for "tooth" belts, quieter, cooler, work better with worn pulleys, handle slight misalignment better, last longer and so on but in reality they tend to whine and don't perform any better or last any longer.
A better mouse trap.
A better mouse trap.
Originally Posted By: berniedd
I'm going to change my Ford's V-belt to the alternator. It is the ordinary type. Is there an advantage/disadvantage to using a V-belt that's "toothed/notched"? Why the toothed design? I understand it can flex better when hugging the pulley, but there's less meat at the notches and this makes it weaker.
The cogged ones run cooler because there is less rubber on the pulleys. I deal with these almost every day on ice cream machines, the flat V-belt is only used on light duty applications, the cogged AX belts are used on all the harder working ones, sometimes as many as 6 belts on 2 pulleys (big batch freezers). I run the cogged ones on the F-450 in my sig on the alternator & vacuum pump, they stay on a lot better than the OEM flat ones do.
I'm going to change my Ford's V-belt to the alternator. It is the ordinary type. Is there an advantage/disadvantage to using a V-belt that's "toothed/notched"? Why the toothed design? I understand it can flex better when hugging the pulley, but there's less meat at the notches and this makes it weaker.
The cogged ones run cooler because there is less rubber on the pulleys. I deal with these almost every day on ice cream machines, the flat V-belt is only used on light duty applications, the cogged AX belts are used on all the harder working ones, sometimes as many as 6 belts on 2 pulleys (big batch freezers). I run the cogged ones on the F-450 in my sig on the alternator & vacuum pump, they stay on a lot better than the OEM flat ones do.
Originally Posted By: Shannow
It's the fabric that carries the tension, not the rubber, so bear that in mind.
I agree absolutely, but most of us change a belt when the rubber/ribs that touch the pulley is worn or cracked excessively.
It's the fabric that carries the tension, not the rubber, so bear that in mind.
I agree absolutely, but most of us change a belt when the rubber/ribs that touch the pulley is worn or cracked excessively.
I buy Gates belts out of habit, and I don't recall when I last saw an automotive V-belt that WASN'T toothed. In fact, I have two unbranded belts kicking around in the trunk of my MG(they were removed in serviceable condition, and are a "just in case" part for me) and both are toothed. This particular belt loops around the harmonic balancer, alternator(or dynamo if you're a masochist with a '67 or earlier) and water pump/fan.
In my experience, toothed belts seem most common at least on cars...but then how many cars even have V belts these days?
In my experience, toothed belts seem most common at least on cars...but then how many cars even have V belts these days?
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