MTFCA Forum

I used a string to measure the distance around the fan hub (ball bearing hub) and crankshaft pulley (original pulley). It measured 32 inches, so I ordered the "32 inch endless belt,1926-27" show in the supplier's catalog. I could not get it on, so I ordered the 33 1/8" belt. It touches the New Day Timer, so it is too long.

How do I solve this problem?

Turn the fan hub away from the timer instead of toward the timer to tighten.

I too have a '26-'27 fan. My belt measures 32.5 inches.
Which belt do I order for replacement?

Rotate the top pulley on the adjustment hub till the pulley is at the lowest point. If the belt won't go on, your belt is too short. If it goes on, rotate the hub counter clockwise as viewed from the back looking from the cab toward the radiator. To do this pull the square protrusion downward. This will raise the hub in the direction away from the timer. The timer rod should go through from the block side of the timer and the cotter pin cut short enough so it will bend close to the rod and not get caught in the belt. Tighten nut at back of adjuster to keep the adjustment. The fan should be tight enough so that if you rest your hand on the blade, the blade will not turn but if you push the fan it will turn.
Norm

Lang’s site listing fan belt sizes gives you the how-to for fan belt length.


few cases the engine itself has been changed out for one of a year different than that of the car in question. All of these variables can make it imprecise to order a belt by the "year" of the car.

The fool proof way to order a belt is really simple:

First, adjust the fan to it's lowest position.
Second, run a piece of string around the pulleys.
Third, measure the string. This is the length needed for your belt.
Do not measure with a steel tape, it won't bend tight enough around the pulleys and will give a false measurement. Also do not measure around the outside of an old belt, you will get a reading longer than you need.

Norm, Thanks for the suggestion. I did what you suggested. However, I had to rotate the hub "clockwise", looking from the cab toward the radiator, not "counterclockwise". It solved my problem as shown in the attached photos.

The last two photos show the commutator rod in the two extreme positions.

The belt on my 26 Touring is a Gates 814....I think that's the correct number? This is an old picture.