Wrapped Generator Belt

[tom vogel]

I just purchased a "wrapped" generator belt from a corvette parts supplier and when I received the belt I was unable to see much of a difference between an unwrapped and wrapped belt. Is there an easy way to determine if a belt is indeed wrapped or unwrapped? The "cut" edge on the wrapped belt I received was black in color, had a splice line on the top surface and I could see no evidence that the belt was wrapped on any side. I guess I thought you would be able to see some indication that the belt was wrapped.

[Joe L.]

Re: Wrapped Generator Belt

tom----

Typically "cut" and "wrapped" type fan belts will have a significantly different appearance for the bottom and side portions of the belt (i.e. where they ride in the pulley grooves). The "cut" belt will have the appearance of the bottom and sides having been "sliced" to form the "V". The fabric layers which reinforce the belt will be clearly visible on the sides of the "V".

A "wrapped"-type belt does not appear to be formed by "slicing". The fabric reinforcement layers are much less prominent on the sides of the "V".

"Wrapped" construction belts were primarily used from 1953 to 1972. "Cut" type belts were primarily used thereafter and as SERVICE replacements for earlier belts. GM part-numbered belts for which the part number begins with "9" are usually "cut" type belts. Part numbers beginning with "3", or other numbers, are usually "wrapped" construction belts.