OK, I spun this question off from my last post because it is kinda urgent. That other post relates my pain trying to find the right serpentine belt for my 2006 E450 with dual alternators. I've had to go to measuring the belts, rather than Ford-recommended parts numbers - it seems my shuttle bus has been modified in some way that affects the belt length. So, I've found a random belt in the length I need, and the 8 ribs, same width, etc. Only difference is the belt has square ribs instead of V-ribs. Is that going to matter? A dang $50 part, and I'm stuck paying this motel for the 3rd night, plus about $100 in Uber fees running around the parts houses. This belt is the last chance before I have to custom order something online and wait days. Even if it only works a few thousand miles, until I get back home, that works. just wondering what it means when those square ribs won't go down into the V-groove on the pulleys.

 

Did you try calling Ed at FICM Repair
and pestering them. They might at
least have a part number for you.

 

There's no part number to find. The Ford dealer gave me a belt according to my VIN number, and it was too long. And that's the same length the parts house gave me when they looked up the part number. Apparently the shuttle bus company did something to modify the truck. Maybe they added they second alternator? I dunno. The only other possibility is that I'm putting the belt on wrong, The diagrams I've found don't match this truck. They have the main drive belt running all accessories except the second alternator - it has its own belt, idlers and tensioners. However, my truck has the alternator belt also running the vacuum pump. Other diagrams I've found don't even show the vacuum pump. Waiting for the sun to come up to go out and install this latest belt. Dang, I hope it works. Its length is between the other two I've tried. But the gap between those two was 4 inches (circumference - 132 vs 136) and the new one is 134. Knowing my luck, I need 133 or 135 or some fraction.

Also can't get my ratchet on the tensioner from above, and can't hold it while slipping the belt on the top alternator. Had a stranger help me yesterday, but I may try to make the crank or power steering pulley the last one to go on so I can reach it underneath the truck.

 

Call FICM repair if this one does not work out and ask them.
They may be able to find the correct part number by application.

 

If the square grooves on the belt have the same spacing as the V grooves on the pulley it may work. The contact area will be small and the squares may become V shaped after running awhile. Good thing is the contact area will increase as it wears and it should slip less over time if it stays on... given the situation it’s worth a try. Sean is right also, Ed and his folks will go the extra mile to get you what you need if it’s available.

 

When bodybuilders alter the drive system for new components, you are not going to find mainstream catalogs listing the part.

Does the body have an insignia or at least in the door frame a new cert showing the body company with probably a serial number. Sometimes the body has these where someone can get the data. You should be able to call them and get a specific answer. Also some body builders will be information relating to this on a cable under the hood, door frame or glovebox label.

 

Ok, I found a Gates belt that's 133.75" which is .9" shorter than the Dayco I have on it now. That sounds real close to the sweet spot. I'm driving the Dayco to O'Reilly 's to pick it up. The truck will be too hot to work on for hours, so I'm going to continue on my way then wake up at dawn to swap in the new one - assuming the Dayco doesnt come off before then and I'm swapping out on the side of the road.

 

Good travels and stay cool.

 

Lol, over 100 degrees, no AC, 1 window. ? Staying cool ain't happening anytime soon.

Thx!

 

Get two bags of ice.
One in you lap and the other in place of the head rest.
As ofter as you have had A/C failures you should get
a Coolshirt along with an ice storage and pump to
cool you down.

EDIT (Forgot the link to there site) https://coolshirt.com

It really should not be too hard to DIY one for a lot less money.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/CoolShirt-S...MAAOSwe5tdAWyr

https://www.ebay.com/itm/CoolShirt-2...sAAOSwOn1affYD