old simplicity sno away

[thomd51]

Ihave a old (1973) simp. sno blower. a very good machine, Briggs engine, (it was 7hp but someone put an 8hp from a homelite s8 blower, it has blue paint on it ) I sold them myself years ago. I picked this up from Craigs list last year there was lots of newer machines to pick from but I knew from past experience this was a good unit. weighs 300lbs. has transmission they used on the old walk behind 2 wheel tractors. the guard over the belts was missing so I'm not sure of the mod. number. think it may be 990580 Simp sno away. need trans drive belt 1743-23, I think. it's 61'' long and 3/8'' wide but that belt is not a deep groove belt. the original belt looked like an automotive belt, just wondering if any of you " old timers " might know of a better belt. I went right through it when I got it, put magnatron on, did carb over, new chains and skids lubed and adj. I love to see it work (my son runs it, I'm old). TOM.

[Craftsman GT]

Most likely the old belt was worn down in the center. You could always try cross referencing it to a Gates or Dayco

[thomd51]

come on guys. Isaid 3/8 x 61 might work but thats a fhp belt. is there anything that might be better ? the old belt on there must be 25 years old I'm sure the sides are worn down. but it's still a deeper v belt than the 3/8 x61. TOM.

[KE4AVB]

In part of the world snowblower are non-exist; unless, you want to count leaf blowers. I actually seen the local post office using one to clear the sidewalks yesterday.

The only Simplicity belt that my aftermarket supplier has listed that fit the 61" range is

V-1601672 Simplicity Replacement Belt - PIX A59K
Ships as A59K - 15/32" Top Width X 61" Outside Measurement PIX Blue Kevlar V_Belt

This is actually a 1/2 x 61 Kelvar belt that has height of 5/16"