New Drive Belt - Too short or needs break in?

[OutdoorEnvy 1,652]

So this is on my 1987 416-8 that I am bringing back to life.  The belt and clutch pulley were missing so replaced those.   Belt I got is 7473, which is the 5/8 x 82".  This is the first new drive belt I've used.  Well I did start and drive it for the first time and with the clutch pushed all the way down it wasn't stopping the belt from moving the trans drive pulley.  So it was grinding to get into gear and then doesn't stop the tractor in true clutch neutral when in gear and pushing in clutch.  I drove it about 2-3 mins and then stopped.  This is a cloth belt and I wasn't sure if these just need to break in a little bit?  Or if this is the wrong size belt.  I did read that belt 107939 is 83" long.  But the parts diagram I found here did say the 7473 size. 

 

Pic below is when I first put it on to show the clearance from the tab.  Thoughts on if it's too short or just needs to break in a little with some run time?

 

[squonk 41,681]

I'm assuming you had the belt guard on when you tried shifting? 

[OutdoorEnvy 1,652]

Just now, squonk said:

I'm assuming you had the belt guard on when you tried shifting? 

Yes

[953 nut 56,244]

Looks too short to me or it could be too wide and not setting into the pullies far enough. Where did the belt come from? Someone on here bought a belt on line that was too wide, replaced it with a Tractor Supply Kevlar belt and that solved the problem.

Edited January 9 by 953 nut

[OutdoorEnvy 1,652]

11 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

Looks too short to me or it could be too wide and not setting into the pullies far enough. Where did the belt come from? Someone on here bought a belt on line that was too wide, replaced it with a Tractor Supply Kevlar belt and that solved the problem.

 

It's from V-Belt Guys.  I did just go measure the width and you may have nailed it.  The belt measured .70" and should be .625" for spec.  It's sitting a hair high out of the pullies.  My C-100 is next to it and the belt on it is inside the pullies around 1/8" or so. 

[ebinmaine 68,986]

6 minutes ago, OutdoorEnvy said:

 

It's from V-Belt Guys.  I did just go measure the width and you may have nailed it.  The belt measured .70" and should be .625" for spec.  It's sitting a hair high out of the pullies.  My C-100 is next to it and the belt on it is inside the pullies around 1/8" or so. 

 

 

I agree with the TSC comment above. I've tried using inexpensive online sources like that and had the same incorrect sizing issues like you.

 

Personally I've stopped using anything but Oe Wheel Horse / Toro belts but I know others have good luck with tsc.

[OutdoorEnvy 1,652]

I have a TSC close to me.  Looking at their site they have a .625 x 83" belt.  I would think that is the one they are using.  Anyone able to verify?

[squonk 41,681]

9 minutes ago, OutdoorEnvy said:

I have a TSC close to me.  Looking at their site they have a .625 x 83" belt.  I would think that is the one they are using.  Anyone able to verify?

Go there and get the 83" and grab an 82" Return what you don't use. check the # on the belt against the sleeve before you leave. sometimes folks return belts in the wrong sleeve.

 

I've had more trouble with WH belts than the aftermarket TSC ones

[OutdoorEnvy 1,652]

26 minutes ago, squonk said:

Go there and get the 83" and grab an 82" Return what you don't use. check the # on the belt against the sleeve before you leave. sometimes folks return belts in the wrong sleeve.

 

I've had more trouble with WH belts than the aftermarket TSC ones

 

Do they have 82 and 83" ones? I only saw the 83" listed on their website.  Doesn't seem like 1" would make a big difference on the amount of clutch travel but I'm not for sure. 

[WHX?? 49,525]

24 minutes ago, squonk said:

Go there and get the 83" and grab an 82" Return what you don't use.

I used to order from v belt guys and they were always good quality belts but for some reason not quite right. Switched to tsc and never looked back. They do shed a little blue and some break in required. 

[ebinmaine 68,986]

3 minutes ago, OutdoorEnvy said:

 

Do they have 82 and 83" ones? I only saw the 83" listed on their website.  Doesn't seem like 1" would make a big difference on the amount of clutch travel but I'm not for sure. 

 

One inch will make all the difference in the world

[Racinbob 11,321]

1" is a lot in this situation and I think might be too much. They do make 82.5". 

That idler isn't original. Maybe it's a fuzz too narrow?

[Mike'sHorseBarn 3,036]

30 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

Switched to tsc and never looked back. They do shed a little blue and some break in required. 

 

That's all I use on mine is tractor supply belts. They definitely do require a break in period where things will grind a little bit and don't get fussy about blue fuzz right off the bat. Once it's broke in, give it a good wash and your won't see much fuzz after that.

[OutdoorEnvy 1,652]

15 minutes ago, Racinbob said:

 

That idler isn't original. Maybe it's a fuzz too narrow?

 

It matched up with the one on my 1985 312-8.  The belt sticking up a bit seems consistent on all 3 pulleys. 

[peter lena 8,891]

@OutdoorEnvy  have you verified  total function to all related . connections , movement points ? ,personally  never  look at a problem , as a one and done , many related areas can add functional  hang ups , none of my idler pulleys , have original , bearing , lube set up , due to consistent failure , think I would go over every movement spot , make the rust run out , KNOCK R LOOSE , penetrant. while you have the  shifter plate off , good time to lube the bronze end bushings of your lift lever ,both sides , also inside the lever  for free spring  movement . have T/S  supply belts on my 3 horses , pto , mule drives , mower decks , all related bearings , were , cleaned out and re greased , silent / smooth , function . pete

[OutdoorEnvy 1,652]

6 minutes ago, peter lena said:

 have T/S  supply belts on my 3 horses , pto , mule drives , mower decks , all related bearings , were , cleaned out and re greased , silent / smooth , function . pete

 

 

Yes I hosed everything down with penetrating oil, then lubricant.  The PTO lever was stuck pretty good but got it worked loose.  Everything is moving as it should and I did use a wire wheel on the other two pulleys to clean them up.  I think the thickness of the belt is the issue.  It's sitting high compared to my 312 and C100. 

 

With the TSC belt do you use the 83" one or is there an 82" in store they just don't list on their site?

[peter lena 8,891]

 @OutdoorEnvy   let me go out and check , pete 

[bassJAM 57]

TSC should have an 82" as well.  I just bought a new belt for my C-125 at TSC on Monday, my tractor calls for a 5/8" x 83 but I picked up an 82" just in case.

 

Edit:, my c125 calls for an 82", I had also picked up an 81" and 83" just in case.

Edited January 9 by bassJAM

[peter lena 8,891]

@OutdoorEnvy  agree with  @bassJAM  on the  5/8 x 83 , pete

[Ed Kennell 39,290]

That belt does look too short.   Can you take a pic with the clutch fully depressed?

 

Here is my 310 video with the 5/8x82 TSC belt.    The belt brake stops the belt without the belt guard on to support the bottom loop.

 

 

 

 

https://studio.youtube.com/video/Bq-e8XxKtxw/edit

 

 

 

Edited January 9 by Ed Kennell

[OutdoorEnvy 1,652]

44 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said:

That belt does look too short.   Can you take a pic with the clutch fully depressed?

 

 

Thanks Ed!  I have the cover on it now but can check.  I don't think there's enough slack even when it's pressed down.  The width is making it seem too short.  I could tell when I put it on it is sitting much lower than my other 2 rigs.  I'll plan to get a TSC belt and verify the width and see where I get with that.  I'll post some update pics with new belt and verify which one works for future reference if anyone searches this thread. 

[953 nut 56,244]

6 hours ago, OutdoorEnvy said:

I only saw the 83" listed on their website.

They have the 82" X 5/8"        https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/huskee-v-belt-5-8-in-x-82-in-oc-4461826?store=1398&cid=Google-Local&utm_medium=Google&utm_source=Local&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAhP67BhAVEiwA2E_9g6EJ-gmLq8VS7b1Nz4MqBJQQj3a23fPHgJu31-RZcDSzA3qwZSq1jBoC3gMQAvD_BwE

[OutdoorEnvy 1,652]

Thank you @953 nut   It was not coming up in the searches I was doing so this helps a lot.  Now I know which store near me has it!  I should be able to get there tomorrow or Saturday. 

Edited January 9 by OutdoorEnvy

[Gasaholic 236]

I order my OEM Belts through Partstree.com  7473 is still available when I ordered my new one back in October, after trying a 5/8 x 82 cheapie belt that I had laying around - the 5/8 spec belts are just a tad (few thousandths) too wide but that width can translate to as much as a quarter inch to half inch of distance depending on how worn the pulleys are. the 5/8 FHP belts tend to work better in older worn-out pulleys - you can compare a OEM 7473 (in Toro-Wheelhorse packaging even) to any "will fit" replacement belt in all its dimensions (not just length) and you'll spot the little differences that make all the difference. the FHP 5L belts width x length are measured on the outside and have a bit softer profile on the edges (the B-spec such as B-79 are even worse, and a visibly different V profile)  It isn't just width x length , Profiles matter too.. So I have always had best results buying OEM in OEM packaging from a Toro dealer (I've had a few Toro dealers try to tell me they're obsolete and try to sell an aftermarket, as well, so I'll always go to a trusted source such as Partstree.com out of Texas, where they will be very clear that if they're selling you an OEM part number, it's guaranteed to be OEM.)  Sure, the OEM belts cost quite a bit more, however, the fit and finish just can't be beat. 

[ebinmaine 68,986]

46 minutes ago, Gasaholic said:

I order my OEM Belts through Partstree.com  7473 is still available

 

I won't buy from Partstree because they charge Freight and their prices are not that great.

 

I've been buying my stuff from a place I found on fleabay a few months ago. That belt is $16 less expensive with free freight!

"Bill's Place"

 

 

Send me a PM if you want the link..

 

I got no iron in the fire there other than wanting to help out fellow Wheel Horse Folk.