Just wondering if anyone else has had this issue:

When I got the OM617 (1984, I got the whole car) it had 2 newish alternator/water pump belts. The problem was that they wouldn't QUITE tighten all the way. They were 15-395 - "15" is the belt width series and "395" is the length in inches, 39.5 inches in this case. After a bunch of trips back and forth to the parts store I found out that the right belt, at least on my engine, is a 15-390. Different makers use different numbering methods but the 15 (or whatever series) and the length in inches seems to be pretty standard here in the US. The belts I got are Dayco and actually there is no dash between the width and the length.

Anyhow, they only had one so a second one is on order. The parts store manager seems pretty knowledgeable and he says that the manufacturers no longer package them as a matched set so I'm hoping they are close to the same length when the second one gets here. Double belts seem like a bit of overkill but neither the WP nor the alt have much wrap around them so I'm guessing that's the reason for the twins.

So - any other input on this?

Dan

you'll have issues with the belts until you get a matched set of metric belts.
I need to know which vehicle you have to know what belt you need, but it's gotta be a PAIR of continental 10mm x either 1000mm for the SD, or 1035mm for the D...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I have Continental Belts on mine and have had no issue.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I suggest at least one 1 foot square Sheet of 3/4" thick plywood against the Pan to spread the load over a larger surface area (or glue together 2; 1/2" thick pieces) and then the 2x4.

Also take a look at the gap between the top of the Bell Housing and the bottom of the Fire Wall. When that gap closes and the Bell Housing hits the Fire Wall you start lifting the whole Car from the Oil Pan.

On Mine the Previous owner did that and dented the Pan.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Mine would be the 1000 mm in a metric set given that it was a 300SD.

I'm going to try the Daycos. Remember that this will only run a mile at a time so my requirements are sort of odd. If they don't work I'll order up a set of Conti's.

Another issue I found was that the WP pulleys were too far back - that is, toward the engine. I spaced them forward 0.120" and now they look pretty good. I couldn't tell for sure but it looks the the pump was replaced in the not too distant past. Of course, I have no clue who the vendor or rebuilder of the pump might be. The drive flange doesn't SEEM to be pushed on too far but who knows. Anyone had this issue?

Dan