-- [ From: John Rodgers * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --

Wes, that's a crock!! You can get the conventional belts at any NAPA store,
and in the right lengths. If you want to quiet them down, use this old
aircraft mechanics trick. Get a block of parafin wax, and with the engine
running, rub the wax on the pully side of the belt for a few seconds.  Watch
your hands, and be sure not to wear any loose clothing. We on the list don't
need to hear about some crazy Vanagon guy getting snatched up into his
engine pulleys.

Good luck.

John Rodgers
"88 GL driver in New Mexico
-------- REPLY, Original message follows --------

Date: Friday, 14-May-99 10:39 AM

From: Wes Neuenschwander       \ Internet:    (wesn@eskimo.com)
To:   Vanagon                  \ Internet:    (vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com)

Subject: Noisy V-Belts

During a recent tune-up, the mechanic replaced the existing flat style power
steering and alternator v-belts with the newer design grooved (toothed) v-
belts.  These newer belts make a distinct howling noise, very much like a
turbine engine, which is quite loud and really annoying.  The mechanic
claims that these are the only type of v-belts currently available (they
apparently have some functional advantages such as running cooler and
lasting longer than the original flat belt design).

Has anyone else encountered this problem?  Anyone know of a source of supply
for the original, flat-belt (and quieter) style belts?

Wes Neuenschwander
Seattle, WA
wesn@eskimo.com

-------- REPLY, End of original message --------