Why serpentine?

[ChallengerHK]

I've seen the kits to convert vintage motors to serpentine belts. I'm trying to figure out the advantage. It seems to me that with separate belts that if, for instance, you drop your power steering belt you would still have the alternator providing system power and the AC (if so equipped) to get you, in relative comfort, to a place where he PS belt can be replaced. At the same time, since serpentine belts are now the norm, I'm assuming that there has to be an advantage. Do they leech less power?

[cudabob496]

don't know, but driving down the highway I lost the serpentine belt on my Ford Escort, and I lost alternator,
water pump, and power steering all at once!  Not good!! 90 degrees out! Made it home, barely. 3 miles away. Having synthetic oil may have
saved my bacon, as engine was really hot! Oil went from almost clear to dark molases color.

[Ravage]

The only advantage I see is that the serpentine had a tension pulley and they can swap out pretty easy, but in my opinion I'd rather deal with V belts and not have everything go down at once due to a single failure.

[Rob C]

I like the one belt. Replace it every once in a while before it gets worn out.
I run a March pulleys that use serpentine belts on the Cuda. One for p/s. The other for  the crank, alt. & w/p.

[dfrazz]

I was in the same camp but installed a March system on my engine.  Besides the bling factor I found less slippage and more consistency a couple of benefits. Here is their site for more:  http://www.marchperf.com/why.html

[Strawdawg]

Serpentine belts are wider and more efficient plus they have a lifespan that is at least 50% longer than a v-belt.  Given they have have less slip, they can be run at less tension which reduces some of the nose load on the pump, alternator, etc.  Given the width, they typically perform better at high rpm than v belts.

I think some of the newer ones are rated for about 70,000 miles

Inspecting them for cracks ever ten thousand miles just as one would do with a v belt should prevent any unexpected failures.

[burdar]

Less slippage and less chance to throw a belt  The serp belts use a tensioner so they are always kept at the correct tension.  There is no need to adjust the belt tension every so often.  They are also quicker to change in most instances.

[ChallengerHK]

So basically, a serpentine belt is less likely to have a problem, but if there is a problem it's more likely to be serious?

[cudabob496]

So basically, a serpentine belt is less likely to have a problem, but if there is a problem it's more likely to be serious?

sounds right! I think I've had the same V belts on my Cuda for over 10 years.  They may
have 30,000 on them. They look ok.

[Strawdawg]

So basically, a serpentine belt is less likely to have a problem, but if there is a problem it's more likely to be serious?

If a v-belt breaks it can be very serious if the one driving the water pump goes.  Half a mile down the road, it will be just as serious as if a serpentine belt breaks.  If the alternator belt breaks (assuming it is different from the pump drive) it will be serious about 30 minutes after it breaks if it is night and the lights are on-otherwise the battery will keep it going a bit longer.

The real disadvantage of the serpentine belt is the cost of conversion on an old cars.  It is pretty to look at but a big impact on the wallet.  Otherwise it is superior in about any way you look at it.

Preventative maintenance will eliminate  98% (my number ) of all belt problems.  Look for cracks and wear on the sides.  Regularly driven cars probably need a new set of v belts every two years or so.  Most of our cars are probably not daily drives so exposure  to ozone and heat probably wear them out before driving them does.

[ChallengerHK]

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. Serpentine sounds fine, and looks fine, but for the cost, I just don't need it.

[brads70]

I configured my belts so they both drive the water pump so if one breaks I'm not stranded.

[Strawdawg]

good thinkin"!!

 

[HP_Cuda]

heh Brad, it looks like your chally is a dualie!

 

[ChallengerHK]

heh Brad, it looks like your chally is a dualie!

 

Next step, modify it like those 70s Ely Tyrell four wheel fronts ;-)