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What make/size belts do you have? Replacing belts is a total art, and it's one of the only replacement parts that I agree that should always be 'genuine' Porsche. Some of the aftermarket belts are very very slightly too wide, and they can jam.
Just checked both belts are Porsche branded. And they were installed by Don Wise of Campbell. They know their stuff.
The belts were recently replaced by the mechanic (in Feb this year). They "feel" tight but maybe I should use the krikit gauge to confirm? What are the numbers I should be looking at?
I'm in the process of replacing my battery (Label says over 2.5 years old and only holds <12.6v even at full charge. One side is a bit bulging and the vent hole is not connected to the tube). After the new battery is in, I'll confirm the belt tensions and measure the charging voltage at the battery terminals. If it is still <14v at idle, I'll have the alternator rebuilt.
It might be worthwhile to get an AGM battery. No chance of battery acid / venting / leaks in the frunk .... and just a little bit of a cost premium over a conventional lead-acid battery.
Originally Posted by orangecurry
What make/size belts do you have? Replacing belts is a total art, and it's one of the only replacement parts that I agree that should always be 'genuine' Porsche. Some of the aftermarket belts are very very slightly too wide, and they can jam.
Right, listen to orange curry - always use Porsche belts. Not Continental nor Contitech nor OEM belts ---- use the original OE belts that have PORSCHE printed on them. I vaguely recall non-OE belts being every slightly too long. Belt tensions:
Just checked both belts are Porsche branded. And they were installed by Don Wise of Campbell. They know their stuff.
I'd hope they do. But it's worth checking by looking at the actual numbers on the belts; look on here for guidance on how many different belts there have been over production period https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...com/vbelt2.htm
Did you look at the old belts that HAD been working perfectly for years and note the numbers.... if not worn away?
For now - worth starting the engine and have it idling, and just observe the belts. Are they grabbing?.... or are they too slack, and you can see this (basically) if they change shape when the engine is running - does that make sense?
Do the same if you can when the engine is hot after a long run.
For the fan belts on my 993, I never used a gauge. I always shimmed them enough that they didn't squeal/slip. Worked perfectly for years. I think people put too much into stressing about these belts. So long as it's not too tight as to put unneeded wear on the bearings, and not too lose to slip, you're fine.
...totally agree, BUT you have to have the correct length and width belt to start with. And that's where it CAN (rarely) go wrong. Going by the VIN or any other number does not guarantee that even Porsche will supply you with the correct belt length.
For the fan belts on my 993, I never used a gauge. I always shimmed them enough that they didn't squeal/slip. Worked perfectly for years. I think people put too much into stressing about these belts. So long as it's not too tight as to put unneeded wear on the bearings, and not too loose to slip, you're fine.
I have used Porsche-branded belts and aftermarket belts over the years. I found that if the correct length and width specification is correct and the belts are tensioned using a gauge belt slip/squealing or breaking seems to not be an issue. https://993servicerepair.blogspot.co...fan-belts.html
Andy
...totally agree, BUT you have to have the correct length and width belt to start with. And that's where it CAN (rarely) go wrong. Going by the VIN or any other number does not guarantee that even Porsche will supply you with the correct belt length.
Agreed. OEM Porsche branded are the only ones to use. Given the infrequent changes needed, the expense is a good one.
I eventually went with the Clewett and eliminated all of this. It's a bit of an overkill but one less thing to worry about.
I have used Porsche-branded belts and aftermarket belts over the years. I found that if the correct length and width specification is correct and the belts are tensioned using a gauge belt slip/squealing or breaking seems to not be an issue. https://993servicerepair.blogspot.co...fan-belts.html
Andy
Originally Posted by orangecurry
I'd hope they do. But it's worth checking by looking at the actual numbers on the belts; look on here for guidance on how many different belts there have been over production period https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...com/vbelt2.htm
Did you look at the old belts that HAD been working perfectly for years and note the numbers.... if not worn away?
For now - worth starting the engine and have it idling, and just observe the belts. Are they grabbing?.... or are they too slack, and you can see this (basically) if they change shape when the engine is running - does that make sense?
Do the same if you can when the engine is hot after a long run.
Originally Posted by Jlaa
Right, listen to orange curry - always use Porsche belts. Not Continental nor Contitech nor OEM belts ---- use the original OE belts that have PORSCHE printed on them. I vaguely recall non-OE belts being every slightly too long. Belt tensions:
Originally Posted by 71-3.0-911
For the fan belts on my 993, I never used a gauge. I always shimmed them enough that they didn't squeal/slip. Worked perfectly for years. I think people put too much into stressing about these belts. So long as it's not too tight as to put unneeded wear on the bearings, and not too lose to slip, you're fine.
Thanks guys. I'm sold on these great inputs. Will double check the model #s of the belts, measure their tension when my KR1 arrives.
BTW, these belts were replaced new 3 months and 400 miles ago. Should I go with the "new" or "used" tension specs, or somewhere in between?
I think maybe I'd measure the existing tension first (double check belt part numbers) --- I would assume with only 600 miles on that alternator belt, that you would have at least 15-20 kg on there (cold).
BTW --- do you know if you have the old pulley or the updated pulley? See this TSB (pdf at the end of this post).
I think maybe I'd measure the existing tension first (double check belt part numbers) --- I would assume with only 600 miles on that alternator belt, that you would have at least 15-20 kg on there (cold).
BTW --- do you know if you have the old pulley or the updated pulley? See this TSB (pdf at the end of this post).
@flyweight that indeed is the updated alternator pulley and those indeed are the right belts. What's with that [aftermarket?] lockwasher? in front of the 24mm nut? That's not supposed to be there. Not sure if that lock washer affects anything at all .... I'm just surprised to see it there. You can see the 24mm nut is not engaging the shaft with all available threads either...... but I am not sure this has anything to do with your voltage/power issue.
@flyweight that indeed is the updated alternator pulley and those indeed are the right belts. What's with that [aftermarket?] lockwasher? in front of the 24mm nut? That's not supposed to be there. Not sure if that lock washer affects anything at all .... I'm just surprised to see it there. You can see the 24mm nut is not engaging the shaft with all available threads either...... but I am not sure this has anything to do with your voltage/power issue.
Yeah I noticed the fit issue as well. No idea why it was there. I'll remove it. Thanks!
