Round Back Alternator Rebuilder

Just was looking through my notes
Dayco part number for v-belts consists of nominal top width followed by effective length.
For example. 15480 is 15/32 wide, 48.0 inches effective length, 48.6" overal length.
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Good info. People fret too much over factory belts. Long ago, I downloaded a belt catalog (Gates, Goodyear, forget). For V-belts, there are 3 basic widths and lengths in 2" increments, captured in the PN. Measuring the length you need is the trickiest part. Try marking on a stiff 1/4" poly rope. Once you get the PN, go to ebay and Amazon and also look at "alternate PN". Some belts are fancier, like Goodyear's Gatorback, some with angled teeth to run smoother and/or quieter. Carry your old belt in the trunk for emergencies.

For your newer engines, "serpentine" belts are termed "Multi-V" and come in several "number of V's" (count your pulley grooves) and lengths. Tip - if your underhood belt route label shows a non-AC option, smart to buy that belt for your AC car so you might bypass a seized AC pulley (clutch bearing) to avoid a tow.