Info needed: Morris C8 radiator

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Mike Kelly

I discovered that modern V belts don't always match well with the older type pullies. There is a standard for V belts that's been around many years , the "B" type is commonly seen in older machinery.

My series 1 Land Rover is always a problem, finding the correct belt . I have fitted a modern belt that functions but somehow the modern belts don't quite fit correctly, the new belt makes a squeeling sound , as if something is rubbing . I believe the series 1 club in the UK had a special batch of belts made .

Yes I agree with the comments, that C8 belt isn't sitting as it should be , the profile is too narrow or the "v" angle isn't correct.

Hi Mike,
You are correct on the belt V-angles. The standard A,B,C etc used on machinery and general engineering is still around and a lot of vehicle and engine makers used them, but, there was another British Standard for Automotive belts with a slightly different angle, no longer available now, I find that Austin, Morris and Rootes group engines were on this standard, and probably many others. The replacement belts are a compromise, and usually touch on outer edge, but will bed in without issues.
Looking at Paul's photo, as he was unaware that the pump pulley was adjustable, then I assume it is still set for an old belt, and it is the crank pulley that will define that. It would be impossible to fit the correct width belt without opening up the top pulley first, so my reckoning is the pump and fan was not turning fast enough as the belt was driving on the inner circumference and losing grip at times. The new belt needs to fit the crank pulley and likely will stand proud by about a millimetre or so, not sure if it would be a B or a C section.