Belt sizing for Compressor

[whejdak]

What is the simplest way to determine the size of a belt form my compressor. I have to play around with motor pulley size for the RPM that I need. That will make a difference in the distance.

The motor will not fit into the platform slots so I'll have to drill different holes for lockdown the motor.

There is a cage around the pulley pump and motor pump pulley and is hard to get it without taking it all apart.

 

[TRWham]

I use the longest belt that will fit and allow proper tension to reduce belt fatigue and increase wrap. Use this to calculate belt length:

https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/length-belt-fans-motors-d_872.html

 

[whejdak]

Thanks, Glad I didn't have to calculate that formula.
I believe that I am going to have to drill and elongate a slot in the welded plate on the tank. I bought a motor and it does not fit in the slots provided. If I don't do that, I won't be able to adjust the tension on the belt. I concerned that the belt will stretch a little and a single drill hole in the plate won't work. So I'll have to figure out how to make a slot so the motor can be adjusted (belt adjusted)

 

[Spareparts]

Determine the slot length drill holes on both ends and slice it out with a cutoff wheel. Mount the motor at the
forward position on the motor plate. Take a piece of 3/8" fuel line wrap it around the pulleys and measure that length
and that would be the belt length. Most compressors use 5/8" belt's. I am an old farm boy we had to do the simple way.

 

[whejdak]

Another good explanation. I was thinking of using a cut off wheel and then filing it down. Just not sure about the start and end drill holes.
left side of motor fits in a slotted position right side of motor does match up with anything.

 

[nadogail]

To estimate the length of the belt, I want to know the effective diameter of both pulleys and the center to center distance of the two pulleys.

 

[andyvh1959]

Belt length determination can be done using the outside diameter of each pulley, and the center to center distance of the pulleys. Also need to know the belt cross section to match the pulley design.

I used to work in engineering at Dayco, used the Dayco belt sizing info many times. Four years ago I bought a used Husqvarna articulating riding mower, had no belt to power the deck. I used the Dayco guide to determine the belt and found what I needed at the local Fleet Farm. Still running that same belt now through four seasons:

https://www.daycoaftermarket.com/wp-content/downloads/Product%20Guide%20Dayco%20Gold%20Label%20Complete%20Range.pdf

 

[whejdak]

Lot's of info on the Dayco chart, but difficult to figure out how to use. Thanks

 

[whejdak]

To estimate the length of the belt, I want to know the effective diameter of both pulleys and the center to center distance of the two pulleys.

I'll have to wait on this one. As I mentioned before, the guard is around the pully's and I can't get to it now to take it apart. So I can't get the distances very accurate.