New fan belt really difficult to fit

[jeffc]

Hello,

I have a 1972 mk IV Spitfire and was trying to fit a new fan belt - part 1088 which is correct for this car.  With the alternator pushed as far as possible the belt still needed to be ‘bicycled tired’ onto the water pump pulley. Once in position the alternator doesn’t need much adjustment to meet the required deflection.

For info a 1110 belt from a viscous coupling set up seemed to work ok.

I also have a 1978 1500 so am able to compare - this also has the 1088 belt (as I stopped to a standard fan many years ago) but with far more adjustment on the alternator. I have measured everything on both cars and can’t find an obvious issue which would explain it.

Is this tightness normal for a new belt (it is a while since I fitted one but don’t remember it being this difficult)?

thanks

[GrahamB]

I have exactly the same issues with my 1975 Spitfire 1500, even with a refitting a used belt. I have not knowingly changed anything which would affect the fit. I was considering purchasing a longer fan belt; from what you reported the 1110 would seem a good solution.

[Mjit]

I think the number must have been changed/reused over the years as I can remember the last time I changed the belt the one that came off was a good bit longer than the new one from a reliable specialist.  Thankfully I had an old school motor factors not far away who could cope with "Have you got a belt like this but say 2" longer?".  Closed now of course but you might be able to measure yours and search eBay for "X inch v belt".

[johny]

Theres a vast range of belt sizes practically down to a few millimeter between each, although of course youve got to find them...