Does the Civic VX have a unique alternator?

[95metro]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

cool - i didn't know there was such a thing. i'll have to check that out.

(and what was that about not being helpful?)

I guess I have my moments - but don't thank me yet, they ain't as cheap as I thought...

http://www.safetycentral.com/fanbelrepkit.html

...as an alternative just measure the belt size you need and see if you can find a belt from pre-serpentine days that will fit.

[MetroMPG]

as an alternative just measure the belt size you need and see if you can find a belt from pre-serpentine days that will fit.

how about an old inner tube, cut to the width of the belt, and stapled together to make a tight band?

i just tried it. my friday after supper project!

i took the OEM belt off, jury rigged the water pump inner tube band, and drove my city "test loop".

some interesting observations:

- the DRLs do not switch on when the alternator isn't pumping out the amps (clever! thanks, suzuki engineers!)

- the engine seemed to run smoother at low rpm, suggesting i removed a noticeable load. it also clutch started smoother (these observations subject to placebo effect & experimenter bias!)

- i got my best mpg ever. 86.0 mpg (US) indicated on the scangauge. that's not "proof" of anything - also subject to experimenter bias. i need to do back-to-back testing using the better methodology on my flat, straight test course.

- surprisingly, the stapled "rubber band" belt stayed together and on the pulleys. i don't think it'll last very long though.

[95metro]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

how about an old inner tube, cut to the width of the belt, and stapled together to make a tight band?

Well, that's certainly the Jack Benny approach to the problem...