Hi everybody,

I was noticing that my car is not boosting as high as it was last week. So I popped the bonnet to check the tension tab. I can't see a hole anymore. How do I set it so that 1 hole or half a hole is visible?

 

Only way is to install a new belt. Sounds like yours has stretched out

 

I've run the nappa belt with less than 400 miles... :(

 

wow how many holes did you have when the new belt went on. It may of been to long to start with?

 

Check out the photos on this post:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...&postcount=137
Obviously the right one is at the top, if yours looks like the lower one, then you've got problems.

Actually read the entire thread for recommendations on the correct belt to use.

 

I didn't really look when I got the car, but it was boosting 1 bar (14psi) and now it's only doing 0.6-0.7 bar (8psi-10psi) and that's when I had a look. It must be due that reason that I'm now boosting lower?

 

Hi DrPhil,

Yes, mine looks like the lower picture I used at NAPA #60539 belt with my 17% pulley. How long can I drive the car like this? I'm guessing I should get my belt changed ASAP?

 

I think the proper belt is a 535 not the 539 for a 17% pulley. Change it soon, yes. With a tensioner tool, you can do it yourself easily. There are some howtos on NAM.

 

Really? Argh! I wish Alta would change the info/chart on their website. I was using that as a guide.

 

Oh I forgot to ask, how long can I drive the car like this in the current condition? The tab's twisted part is slightly(about 1/5 inch) above the spring?

 

You could throw a belt (not good) so stay away from the redline for a while until you can get it fixed.
Trust Alta? ...ah no.

 

LOL! alright. I'll be sure to do that! thank you!

 

Ok guys, I can't find a dealer for NAPA belts here locally. How ever there is someone that stocks Gatorback belts. Do you have a part number for it that is equivalent of the NAPA #60535 ? He says he has a Gatorback that is 1360mm long? Would this be the correct one?

 

MIke:
Check out this post:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...73&postcount=6
It shows all the part numbers and lengths for your reference.

 

I don't know what I'd do without you Doc I don't know how you find this stuff so specifically. I look under the search feature for hours with no success.

So this belt sound right for me? 17% SC pulley only
Gatorback 4060539=54"/1371.6mm
NAPA #60535=1375mm

 

Doc, Any idea what the BMW Equivalent would be for 17% pully ?

I am changing mine and have a 11.26 7520 198 692637 - as a spare that came with my MINI.

Thanks.

 

No worries. I'd go with that 539 Gatorback. Unfortunately notice how the different company numbers are similar, but not identical? What a PITA.

As for the BMW belts? I dunno, but ask PARTSMAN (look him up in the NAM directory if you can't find one of his posts). He works for a dealer and lives up to his moniker!

 

Bad news, I have phoned every automotive parts supplier in my area and NONE of them stock NAPA/Gatorback/Gates belts. Only stuff I can find is Goodyear/ram belts. Any suggestions on how I can find Gates belts etc? Or is Goodyear a good belt?

Better yet, does BMW stock smaller sized belts? I haven't phoned them yet. Just assumed they would only stock JCW belts.

 

This place has them at a reasonable price:
http://www.coolparts.com/products/Ga...87492-294.html

Amazon doesn't have the particular model.
btw, which NAPA belt do you have on currently? (the 539?)

 

Yeah, I have the 539 belt on at the moment.

Thanks for the link Doc, but I'm trying to find it local so I save myself the trouble of having to wait 2 weeks for the belt to arrive if I have to order internationally. Plus the shipping on that is $100 (via UPS) alone if I include a tension stop.

 

South Africa--sorry. The Gatorback is made by Goodyear--perhaps there's a dealer in your area who could order it for you?

 

I'll give the authorized agent a call in the morning. I HOPE they have something along the lines in stock!

 

ARGH! My country SUCKS! I been to 5 different shops and phoned about 10 different suppliers. NONE have my size for the reduced pulley. Only for the standard Cooper S belt sizes.

 

From my understanding the NAPA 60539 belt is 1387mm long.

I managed to find a gates belt that is 1370mm long would this be sufficient?

Also I found a local goodyear gatorback supplier, they only stock 1360mm and a 1365mm - would this be too small?

 

Id give the 1370 a try, sounds very close. The others might be too short.