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Chris Nelson · 11-24-2013, 09:55 AM

3/8" belts would bottom out on 5/8" pulleys. The power transmitted from the belt to the pulley is caused by the sidewall of the pulley pinching the sidewall of the belt. If it rides on the bottom, it will not transmit the needed power and will slip in short order. 5/8" belts will not work in 3/8" pulleys for much the same reason. They need to be pinched or squeezed by the pulley to transmit the power. The best result is gained by using the belt that matches the pulley. It's not a dumb question. It's only dumb if it is not asked.

11-24-2013, 09:55 AM	#2
Chris Nelson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Poulsbo, WA. Posts: 356	Re: 8BA Flathead fan belt widths 3/8" belts would bottom out on 5/8" pulleys. The power transmitted from the belt to the pulley is caused by the sidewall of the pulley pinching the sidewall of the belt. If it rides on the bottom, it will not transmit the needed power and will slip in short order. 5/8" belts will not work in 3/8" pulleys for much the same reason. They need to be pinched or squeezed by the pulley to transmit the power. The best result is gained by using the belt that matches the pulley. It's not a dumb question. It's only dumb if it is not asked.