Air compressor belt slipping?

[toolferone]

I have a Porter Cable 80 gal compressor. An air hose in the shop split and the compressor ran for who knows how long. I shut the compressor off. I thought the pump had locked up because the motor was running, but the pump was not. The pump is OK but the belt was very loose. I was able to loosen the motor and slide it back in the slots to tighten the belt. All was good for a bit, but the belt is loose again, and the motor has not moved.

Do belts stretch? The belt is very smooth on the vee. Should I tighten the belt again or replace the belt? If I need a new belt can I get any belt the right size or does it have to be oem spec? Any other options? TIA

 

[TRWham]

Yes, belts, stretch, harden, and fatigue, so I would just get a new belt. If it's too tight, it puts excess load on the bearings. I bought my last Gates belt on Amazon, but there are numerous sources for belts on the web. If the manual does not tell you what it is, and the belt has no markings, measure the width and depth, and cut the belt to measure its full length. You should be able to find the same size belt by searching the various belt catalogs.

 

[toolferone]

So the OEM belt is online for $40 + shipping. I did some searching and found the specs so I could find a standard replacement. $9.00 at a local car parts house. It fit perfect and you could see the old belt had stretched. All is good!

 

[clubairth]

Hope it works for you.
I learned my lesson and air compressors need industrial quality belts.
There is a reason for the big price difference and how many times in your life will you even buy air compressor belts?
.
.
.

 

[66cj225]

If someone takes a shot at you, stand behind the good belts; they have the kevlar.

 

[toolferone]

Hope it works for you.
I learned my lesson and air compressors need industrial quality belts.
There is a reason for the big price difference and how many times in your life will you even buy air compressor belts?
.
.
.

The replacement belt was a Gates.