How to fit a replacement alternator belt

[RobinLegin]

Hi all,
just thought it has been about 5 weeks since I exercised the Stag. So I took it for a quick outing in this sunny weather. The engine was lumpy and mis firing. I put that down to crud in the carbs. Will check that out over the weekend.
BUT as I drove across the ranges near the tank museum, I noticed the red ignition light was on. I checked under the bonnet and found the alternator belt has failed. It is a new alternator. I would appreciate advice on the following please:
1. What size is the belt and does it come fit for modern cars so can be purchased off the shelf?
2. How do I go about replacing it without dismantling the radiator and other bits on the front end? Is there a mechanics favourite shortcut?
thanks

[Mark S]

90% of perceived carb problems are electrical.
In the past, I've cut one of the 'teeth' off the inside of the alternator belt and that gave me enough room to slip it between the front of the fan blade and the rad.

[Phil S]

cant remember the length but think it's a 120. thread the belt over 1 fan blade then the next and so on turning the fan as you go the belt will eventually be in the right place, then just the alternator to adjust

[CJG]

cant remember the length but think it's a 120. thread the belt over 1 fan blade then the next and so on turning the fan as you go the belt will eventually be in the right place, then just the alternator to adjust

Did mine in the same manner belt purchased from LD PARTS it was a good fit.

[RobinLegin]

Just looked at the LD web site. They offer two sizes! Which is the right one for a 1977 Stag?

[022Dave]

Just looked at the LD web site. They offer two sizes! Which is the right one for a 1977 Stag?

Robin, one is for the PAS pump, the other is for the alternator. If you've moved the alternator to the higher (air con) position, then the PAS pump belt fits both. Hope that helps.

Dave

[CJG]

Just looked at the LD web site. They offer two sizes! Which is the right one for a 1977 Stag?

Hi Robin
On mine i got the shorter of the two GBV10710 the one i replaced was at the end of its adjustment and was slipping just after i got the car. If in doubt message peter at LD with your concerns regarding which belt he is always happy to help and really cares about his customers a rare thing today.

[PhilB]

Easy enough to cut the old belt and measure its length - most factors would find you a match if you take the old one in to show width

[Rod1883]

Nigel
Bought mine from Robsport back in April - their id number 151209 (PAS belt is GFB213).
Our car is completely standard if that helps.

I used the 'feed the belt round the blades one at a time' approach as described above.

[Motorsport Micky]

cant remember the length but think it's a 120. thread the belt over 1 fan blade then the next and so on turning the fan as you go the belt will eventually be in the right place, then just the alternator to adjust

That's if there is enough space to thread a fan belt between the rad and the fan hub. I have a spare belt locktied into place around the timing case in case of breakage on the road, not very convenient when it's belting it down with rain. It's been there about 7 years now and of course guarantees that the original belt will refuse to break.

Mick Richards

[barkerwilliams]

Carry a Fenner Power Twist in the boot. Easy to fit quickly by the roadside they work OK as a permanent belt but most might prefer to have a traditional belt fitted later when time is available.


Alan

[richardthestag]

move the alternator to the more convenient position using one of the kits available, then use PAS belt.

Fitting alternator belt in original location is an @rse or a job, you are likely to get covered in oily crud too

[RobinLegin]

Acquired a belt from a local motor factor. Wrong size as it is too long. Peter at LD has tried to help so have gone for the standard one. Anyway have found the culprit causing the break and the misfire. The retainer of the steel pipe to the block has come off and had slipped down on top of the alternator. In the photo I have moved it off the alternator. Just need to find a replacement bolt to refix it to the block.
Have been having difficulty loosening the alternator on its adjuster. Skill of a gynaecologist spring to mind. Except I am up to my arms in black mess! I have also concluded that I will have to loosen the power steering pump belt to get the belt onto the inner groove of the crank wheel.

[Rod1883]

Nigel
I had to replace this bolt earlier this year.
The bolt for the water pipe bracket is 5/16" UNF. You can use Rimmer part number BH605321, 4" long (same as used on the alternator bracket) but you will need to cut about 7mm off the end as it is a little too long. This is what I did.

Looking at the Rimmer page again I realise I probably should have used the 3 and a half inch long version (BH605281).

https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-GRID005158

Alternative suppliers of either can be easily Googled using the BH... number.

Edit - looking at your photo I can't see the earth strap connection to the engine just below where the pipe bracket should be. If that is missing that could be part of your misfire issue?

Rod

[RobinLegin]

Thanks Rod. Will contact Rimmers Tuesday. As for the earth, it is connected to both the bodywork and engine thankfully. I checked that when I found the loose bracket.
All inconvenient as I was planning to drive the Stag over this long weekend taking advantage of the good dry weather hey ho.