I know I can't be the only one that had a hard time getting a belt to help run the water pump once you have removed the smog pump. Most (all the ones I read) articles on removing emissions say to get a 22 inch belt from homedepot, autoparts store, whatever. well, at least where I am I had a hard time finding one.

Now that I have found a well fitting belt I figured I should share the part number:

Car Quest: XL 7215
(Maybe this means 21.5 inches??)

It went on perfectly (just a little bit of work to get it on), and it has proper tension.

Other info on the package:

9.5/10mm x 560mm

 

I had no problem getting two belts to go over my double-belt alternator pulley, which is the correct way to do it...

 

I had to strugle a bit because the initial pulley grove was deeper than the secondary pulley grove. Probably poor casting or something, and it caused one of the belts to become variably tighter/looser than the other. But between the two of the, I have no issues.

 

I think you missed my point...

 

lol, no.. I noticed it

 

Sorry, not a DUAL alt belt pully. This is a second belt for those that do not want to but a dual alt belt pulley. It goes over the engine pulley and the water pump pulley.

Sorry for the confusion.

 

Oh, I get it. How the hell do you install it? Stretch it by cramming a screwdriver in like you were redoing the chain on a bike?

BTW, if you install the racing beat main underdrive pulley it seems to solve this problem with a single belt, because the angle changes with the smaller pulley, and the water pump gets much better contact.

 

I heard witha 22 inch belt there was some prying involved. The belt I have I was able to slip about 1/3 on, then just turn the pulley to pull it the rest of the way on track.

Getting it off I think would require a cutting instrument of some sort

 

I wasn't confused. I was subtly suggesting to you that getting a dual-belt alternator pulley is the correct way to run two belts over the water pump.

 

Very subtly I would say

Anyway, I am not sure how spending $45 + belt to spin the water pump is better than doing it the way I described. Is there a technical reason why it would be better?

 

You have no way to tension the belt correctly. It'll either be too loose (slips) or too tight (damages water pump bearings), plus you have to stretch the belt excessively to even get it on, which can damage it. If this was the right way to do it, we wouldn't need pivoting alternators and adjustable idler pullies.

 

I agree, if the belt is not the correct size.

You left out one possible choice: You have
1) Too Lose
2) Too Tight

you seem to have forgotten

3) Just right

I have stated the belt went on smoothly and seems to have the same tension as my alt belt, thus it appears to be the correct size. This is why I posted the Part number for others to use if they choose to. I have read posts where people have had to pry the belts on, and since I did not have this problem. I would not have used the belt had I had to pry it on for the reasons you indicated..