Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

HI,
I am after a fan belt for my Elan (fitted with a dynamo). I fitted a Gates 6212MC (as suggested in a previous posting) but it's slightly too loose so the dynamo and more importantly the water pump do not always go around when the engine is running!! Does anybody know what the correct Gates number should be, I have found two, 6273MC and 6211MC. I think the old Ferodo number is V5037 but can only find 'new old stock' ones?

As an aside is there any advantage in using a v belt with teeth compared to the old ones without?

Thanks
Carl

I initially also had a Gates MC6212, which is 800mm in diameter I believe, and changed it for one just a bit shorter to avoid the alternator cooling fan touching the body (LHD car) : I got one 790mm long iirc, asking an understanding saleswoman who sorted through the stock at the nearby shop : It worked but is a bit difficult to put in place (I'll try to dig the reference if you need it).

Regarding the teeth, I believe they help the flexibility of the belt, which should enhance durability.

Halfords in the UK are not that understanding, it seem they don't keep parts like fan belts in stock anymore but will order parts if you have a part number!! Bit like our service stations which seem to be more like supermarkets than petrol stations great if you want the weekly food shop but not so good if you just want a bottle of brake fluid!

I found these quite good quality and generally available.
http://www.gates.com/oreilly/PDFs/SizeListings.pdf

Bonsoir Carl,
i just popped down to my Sprint in the garage under my house.
You are in luck the fan belt was in a good position with the reference at the top for me to read.
Quinton Hazell QBA 788 with teeth on the inside. My Sprint still runs a Generator too like your's .
Alan

Bonsior Alan,.. et mer?i!!

alan.barker wrote:Bonsoir Carl,
i just popped down to my Sprint in the garage under my house.
You are in luck the fan belt was in a good position with the reference at the top for me to read.
Quinton Hazell QBA 788 with teeth on the inside. My Sprint still runs a Generator too like your's .
Alan

QBA 788 would be 785mm long as per internet ...

DAYCO Part Number: 10A0790C would be 790mm (a bit more self explanatory)

which reminds me that a tiny thickness or angle variation would result in a different effective diameter depending on how high the belt would sit in the groove, and when room is tight this may make a difference...

ps: have not yet checked on my car, which is hibernating (just like myself)

My Sprint has been running with the QBA 788 for several years
Alan

At correct length they do seem a bit tight to go over the pulleys as they are all so close together. But when it is on there's only just enough adjustment available to tighten it.
So go for the closest possible match.

Carl,

During my industrial life I was told by a power transmission man that the correct name is "cogged raw edge". The belts are more flexible and require less tension to fit into V of the pulley. I expect it would give our fragile water pumps abetted chance.

Richard Hawkins