[Vwdiesel] Alternator bracket mods

[Roger Brown]

MWoodland at Dentsply.com wrote:
> After an ongoing struggle with the alternator belt on my 91 NA, I tried new
> HD  "Gatorback" belts for both the AC and alt.
> They must be slightly bigger than stock, because with the AC belt tensioned
> correctly, the idler for the alt belt goes to the end of its adjustment
> without getting the belt tight enough.
> 
> Has anyone modified their Alternator brackets to accept a wider range of
> commercially available belts, and if so, how?
> Thanks,
> Mark

You might consider a slightly shorter belt.  Look at the number on the back of the belt, should be 
something like 17AVxxx where "xxx" is the length in mm.  Take the belt to a real auto parts store 
(not one of the chains) and ask them what they have in a slight shorter belt.  I had to do this on 
my Toyota when I installed a new alternator.  I needed something longer so went from an 890mm to a 
915mm belt:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/OnBoardWelder/index.shtml#AlternatorInstallation

I carry a spare belt or two with me, since if I need to replace one on the road, not likely to find 
one off the shelf in the middle of no where.

-- 
    Roger