Generator belt part number

[David H.]

Anyone have the correct part number for the generator belt for a '62 340hp car. Apparently different than the 3759221 belt.
Thanks

[Jack H.]

Re: Generator belt part number

The original PN will be called out in your copy of the AIM. Note, Chevy service would substitute 'compatible' belts over time (different PN's). That was especially true when GM underwent the 'soft' conversion from SAE to metric!

The metric belts are slightly wider than the original cloth wrapped SAE belts. Therefore they sit higher in the grooves of the pulleys and, by necessity, have to be longer than the original belts they replace...

[Terry D.]

Re: Generator belt part number

David
I think the part number you have is for base engines. I always thought hi-lift cam engines in 62 took part number 3779858. I believe this is Goodyear number 15565. Autozone handles one # 15560. Several vendors claim to have "GM Restoration Parts" belts. I believe original is 15/32 wide and 56 inches long.
Hope this helps
Terry

[David H.]

Re: Generator belt part number

That's what I'm looking for Terry, Thanks.
You are correct that the 3759221 part number is for base engine applications.
Where did you find the correct part number?

[David L.]

Re: Generator belt part number

According to my 1963 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (effective Oct. 1962) the 62 Corvette w/H.L. Cam used belt
# 3779858 (3/8"- 55 1/2").
For Heavy Duty:
# 3779858 (3/8" - 55 1/2") fan & generator
# 3822612 (3/8" - 38") water pump & fan

3779858 was replaced with 3829189 in July 1963 which was replaced with 3843162 in August 1963 as per Chevrolet Parts History.

My 1964 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (effective Oct. 1963) shows the following for the 62 w/H.L. Cam:
# 3822612 (3/8" - 38") idler
# 3843162 (3/8" - 55") fan & generator

Both parts catalogs show that the 62 Corvette (exc. H.L. Cam) used belt # 3759221
(3/8" - 55 1/2").

It may seem strange that the 3779858 and 3759221 are the same width & length. I assume that the 3779858 belt ($3.10 in May 1963) must have been a better quality belt then the 3759221 belt ($2.55 in May 1963) which would make sense considering the applications.

I sold my 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, and 1962 Chevrolet Parts Catalogs several years ago because I thought that I would no longer have a need for them.

Dave

[Mike E.]

Re: Generator belt part number

Good observations by David!! The only difference between a hydraulic lifter 62 and a solid-lifter 62 (250 and 300hp vs. 340 and 360 hp), beltwise, is that the hydraulic-lifter generator had a 3 5/8 pulley, while the solid-lifter generator had a 4" pulley. The waterpump and balancer pulleys were identical. The length difference is so minimal that it would be easily handled by the adjustment in the arm.
By the way, even though GM shows the idler pulley and belt in the 62 AIM and in the parts books, they were never installed on 62's at the factory.

[David H.]

Re: Generator belt part number

The correct part number is indeed 3779858 for the hi performance engines.
It does sit slightly low in the pulleys however, apparently to keep it from throwing the belt at high rpm's.
Thanks all for the help.