The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Ford V belts - 39-38

rotorwrench · 10-05-2020, 12:12 PM

The B width for industrial belts is actually 21/32" so it's half way between 5/8" & 11/16". It has a thickness of 13/32" so it's a bit thicker than the light duty belts or L series. Any belt of the L series is considered a fractional horse power belt or FHP type and should be used on applications of 1 horse power or less. The 5L size belt is 21/32" width with a thickness of 3/8" so it's not quite as thick as the B size. It may work for a generator/water pump belt but it may have a shorter life expectancy. I don't know for any certainty how well any of the industrial type belts will work. At least they can still be sourced for the time being.

A person would have to check the sheaves when installing a B size belt to make sure it doesn't bottom out. The Narrow V Series belts are even thicker so they may bottom out in the sheave.

10-05-2020, 12:12 PM	#8
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,416	Re: Ford V belts - 39-38 The B width for industrial belts is actually 21/32" so it's half way between 5/8" & 11/16". It has a thickness of 13/32" so it's a bit thicker than the light duty belts or L series. Any belt of the L series is considered a fractional horse power belt or FHP type and should be used on applications of 1 horse power or less. The 5L size belt is 21/32" width with a thickness of 3/8" so it's not quite as thick as the B size. It may work for a generator/water pump belt but it may have a shorter life expectancy. I don't know for any certainty how well any of the industrial type belts will work. At least they can still be sourced for the time being. A person would have to check the sheaves when installing a B size belt to make sure it doesn't bottom out. The Narrow V Series belts are even thicker so they may bottom out in the sheave.