F’in alternator belt

[Flipfly]

Hi Guys

I’ve fitted a new alternator belt today after the old one (that looks crispy, failed).

The brand new one has just failed and left me stranded at Lymm services wondering what I’ve done wrong.

Alternator spun really freely, but I didn’t have the right tool to stretch it on. I fed it on to the top and then used the bike in gear and rear wheel turning whilst finding the belt on, it took a few attempts and on a few occasions the was a fairly sharp bend between where it was on the pulley and not on the pulley (if that makes sense).

I’ve seen loads on the internet that this method is fine, but have I just damaged the belt.

It’s literally done 25-30 miles before failing!!!

Pulleys looked fine.

I’ve bought a proper install tool, but I’m wondering if there is something I’m missing.

Thanks for your help

Phil

 

[Pukmeister]

I previously cut up a 2 litre plastic milk bottle into smooth plastic packing strip just for this purpose to ease/stretch the belt over the pulley ribs, further winding then spits out the plastic strips.

If you have the proper install tool the belt should be protected as it stretches over the lower pulley.

Perhaps the belt wasn’t fully centred on the ribs ?

Thread 'Alternator belt fitting'

Feb 7, 2024

The alternator belt failed on my 2012 twin-cam. I think it may have failed at least in part due to damage to the crankshaft pulley. My assumption
is that someone has tried to use something hard to lever the belt over the pulley and caused damage the damage in the 'photo.
I fitted a new pulley and borrowed the belt fitting tool from the BMW pipe & slippers club; unfortunately I found the tool very awkward to use as it kept slipping off the pulley. (access is limited & doubtless the tool would work well if the engine was on the bench)
I looked at Normski's video on youtube where he'd...

• Buckingham
• Replies: 33
• Forum: 1200 GS Hexhead

• 

 

[Flipfly]

Finally got around to checking it out and trying to fix it again.

It looks like I missed some damage to the front cover internally when the first replacement belt went. So the damage has shredded the replacement belt!

Stupid error and a rookie mistake not checking the state of the inside of the front cover properly.

All fixed now and hopefully all good.

 

[landmarkjohn]

Glad you figured that one out, I recently fitted a new belt and it does stretch a bit.

 

[Pukmeister]

When I had my Hexhead I carried a spare old belt and strips of plastic milk bottle in a bag on my front crash bars, plus a small Torx tool in the rear pannier frame toolkit that could undo the belt cover. Thankfully I never needed it at the roadside but it gave peace of mind that I could fit a new belt if needed when touring or far from home.