Anyone know the original factory belt size or part # for the alt and power steering ? 5.0 LG4, NO A/C, No Air pump . I went to a supplier and they gave me Continental part #15446 for the PS and 15430 for the alt and they are just just a hair too tight, cant get either on. And yes everything is lose to min position.

 

Those part #s sound right to me. The same ones that had been used on that system since 1969.

V belts are supposed to be "tight" when new. That way they can stretch more over their age and still work. They should be VERY difficult to put on the 1st time. It's just The Way It Is with the old-skool V belts.

Butt if you REALLY can't get them on, look at the part #s. 7425 for example is 7/16" wide and 42.5" long. Use the Magic Decoder Ring to pick a new size. Try a 7430 or 7435. You'll just have to change it out again a bit sooner maybe. Those #s are the same for ALL mfrs: don't worry about "Continental".

 

Sorry messed up the, 25-7425 & 25-7440 were the Napa numbers that were originally on the car. I dont have a Napa need me, the local auto supplier crossed them to Continental 15430 & 15446, I have changed may belts before these just wont go on. I noticed the napa belts are a thinner diameter than the continental ??

 

Picked up Gates belts today and they fit. It is much better but occasionally I am still getting the dreaded screech when I hit the gas. I assumed the original belts were slight loose and dry. New belt are on and TIGHT !! especially the PS belt. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

15 = 15/32; slightly wider at the top than a 7xxx, but designed to sit the same in the grooves.

Belts are loose. Tighten them. Esp the PS one. Be EXTREMELY CAREFUL not to pry against the sheet metal reservoir however. Pry ONLY against the bracket.

 

I did use a pry bar on the bracket and they are tight, I don't want to over do it and burn out a bearing. Im a commercial Hvac mechanic so I am experienced with belts and drives. Yes the Continental were larger diameter at the top that's why I couldn't get them on. The gates were tight but I did get them on. I will check again tomorrow, maybe they stretched a little already. Thanks for your help