A better V-belt?

[Valiente]

Having just thrown a V-belt from my PTO/cooling pump pulley/alternator for the first time (see "Overheating situation" thread), and having been caught without a spare, I am soliciting opinions for manufacturers of good, after-market V-belts. The size is not extreme: 1/2" by 44" or 45" inches. I have just the one stock 55 amp alternator, which will go to a 100 amp Balmar before we leave.

Nigel Calder seems to advocate for Gates Green Stripe V-belts as being reliable. I can get them from an auto place for $15.07 each. Thoughts? Arguments? Some magical, never-shred belt maker I might not have heard of? (Likely!)

[RichH]

Vee belts made of spectra (various manufacturers) seem to last better than 'standard' (balata) vee belts.

Also consider that vee belts wear out prematurely in marine applications because the belt sheeves become roughened due to constant rusting of the polished groove faces..... a bit of 320 sandpaper held in a vise grip (so you dont get your hand torn off when holding the sand paper) and carefully inserted INTO the grooves to 'smooth' out all the rust pits - does 'wonders' in extending the life of the vee belts. :-)

[sailingdog]

Also, you should make sure that the v-belts your getting have the same v-profile as the pulleys on the engine. If the two profiles are different, the belts will wear amazingingly quickly.

[USCGRET1990]

The v-belts made for riding mowers are extremely tough...

[camaraderie]

Gates is great.