length of belt

[Johnnydidd]

i am putting on a 5 inch water pump pulley on my 56 merc 312 with alternator how long of a belt do i need to get

 

[Ole Don]

With the alternator at its "short" end of adjustment, run a heavy string around the pulleys and measure. You should be able to get the right belt with only two or three trips to the parts store.

 

[Dobie Gillis]

With the alternator at its "short" end of adjustment, run a heavy string around the pulleys and measure. You should be able to get the right belt with only two or three trips to the parts store.

Ain't THAT the truth?

 

[justold]

i am putting on a 5 inch water pump pulley on my 56 merc 312 with alternator how long of a belt do i need to get

cut the old belt and wrap it around ,mark and measure .

 

[Johnnydidd]

thanks everyone for their comment

 

[jimvette59]

If you run electrical tape around the outside edges of the pulleys then cut and stick it down to a table and measure it. It will be the correct length. Adjust your alternator or generator to the center first and know your with and angle then go to a Gates chart and choose your belt. This is what I have done. JMHO