A month ago the fan belt that had been on bus at least 10 years shredded so i got another and without adjusting the shims I just forced the new one on. It lasted a month before it shred again!
I dont really understand this shimming thing at all as it seems to me adding or taking away shims is just gonna change alignment of pulleys, but i must need to loosen the set up or obviously the next new one I get will shred to, unlessi had a dud belt.

My question is: Do I remove or add shims to loosen ?
And does anyone know the actual size of the fan belt. Most shops only have books to 76 onwards and mine is a 74

BTW I have checked to see if the pulleys have obstructions etc

Shims go between the pully to loosen
shims go in front of the pully to tighten
you will find shims of different thickness to help get it right
Its a trial and adjust thing the belt should have 10-15mm slack when pushed inward ( Check the manual)

Thanks for that and do you happen to know what belt i need? i am sure the one I have been given is too small and probably for a Beetle. As I said they never had a book showing 1974 kombi.

What size engine do you have
is it flat or upright (like beetle)

Its a 2 ltr standard engine ( 1800 bored). The original belt was def bigger than the Beetle belt but as I have now shredded my spare I have no idea what one to get.

try 10 x 965
p/n 021 903 137A

Apreciate that. Just picked up a 965 and a 980. Figured that if when I fit 965 and adjust right, I will at least have a spare that wont be too hard to fit in an emergency. really apreciate yr help
Many thanks

a 2 liter would not use weashers just a alternater to adjust

Mine is a 2ltr and uses shims. The tinware does not allow for any adjustment of the alternator at all. I ended up fitting the 980 belt in the end as that allowed 10 mm slack with no shim re arranging.

Hi

Is it twin carby model with alternator off to the drivers side? Or is it a single carby model with the alternator just above the pulley on a stand?

The twin carby model is a Type 4 motor and would be 1700, 1800 or 2000.

The other model motor with the alternator/generator above pulley is a Type 1 motor, could be anything, a 1200, 1300, 1500 or 1600 and could be bored and stroked to many different sizes.

Both motors use different belt sizes and adjusting systems.

Steve

Yer twin carby but def shim adjustment only. Both belts I bought would be suitable for this engine but I would need to shim behind pulley to fit the 965. I think thats why the last one shred so fast as I fitted without adjusting and it was too tight.

Hi

Twin carby with shims means that it maybe its a Type 1 motor and has aftermarket carbs, is the alternator on a stand? Can you post a picture of your motor?

Steve

no prob. as can see I have not re installed plastic guard just in case

Hi

Good now we all which motor you have.

Its a Type 4 motor. There is no shims on your adjustment.

The adjustment is behind oval shaped plastic bit near the oil filler and dipstick, flip the plastic plug out and you will find 6mm allen head bolt, you loosen this bolt and the alternator will slide to adjust the belt.

There is also another bolt that the whole alternator pivots on, you need to get under the car to loosen this one, its often just loose enough to slide alternator anyway.

Steve

Hi

I altered your photo to explain it better.

Steve

Oh But the tinwear sits round the pulley ? how does that move?

Hi

The alternator slides in the tinware.

Steve

Really apreciate all your effort all. Well have now learnt another new thing

Hi

No worries, we're all hear to learn. Glad I could help.

Steve