Sewing Machine Belts

Most older style machines used the "V" belt system (Fig. 1). Traction is obtained by friction of the sides of the belt against the inside "V" portion of the pulley. It is not necessary for the belt to bottom-out in the pulley system. 

Many newer machines use the positive traction system (Fig. 2).                                Note: The belt and pulleys have corresponding teeth which mesh together for positive traction.                                                                                                           This system requires a dedicated belt for your particular model. This system is NOT interchangeable with the "V" belt system.                                                                                                                                                                                                              STRETCH BELTS: Stretch belts are the best choice in the "V" belt system. The assorted package helps eliminates choosing the incorrect size. They are a better fit than the original, require little or no technical adjustment and because they are self adjusting they put less strain on the motor with better traction.                                                                                                                                                                           LUG BELTS: In most cases, these belts are ORANGE in color with cogs on the inside "V" portion of the belt with nylon fibers running through the belt to keep the belt from stretching. This belt requires a more accurate measurement for a proper fit. Motors are adjustable up and down (see Fig.4). In some cases this belt will have cogs on the outside as well as on the inside, this is not a primary concern. Orange lug belts may be marked with a number such as 1314 meaning an outside diameter of              13 1/4" however these measurements are not accurate and cannot be used to determine the length of your belt. This number can be used as a reference only and not the actual belt size. For a more accurate replacement size use the E-Z measuring system (see Fig. 3)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   SOLID BELTS: This belt is solid in the "V" portion usually without the cogs, although there are some exceptions (#196388). It also has nylon fibers running through it. This belt was used on many older Singers and is of the original design. In some cases you may be able to read the original 6 digit numbers on your belt. Caution, however it is still recommended that you use the E-Z measuring system to confirm the size you need. We have found that the old 6 digit numbers are not always compatible with the new 6 digit numbers.

E-Z MEASURING SYSTEM: To help in determining the correct replacement for a "V" motor belt we recommend using the E-Z measuring system.
Remove your present belt from the machine, loop one end of the belt over the end of a firm ruler, pull the other end taught along the outer/upper edge of the ruler. The leading end of the belt will be the E-Z measurement (Example: above belt measures 6 5/8") see Fig. 3. The measurement of reference should be in 1/8's of an inch. If you do not have the original belt presently on your machine use a non-stretchable cord (electrical cord) to simulate a belt on your machine to perform this measurement.

TO REGULATE BELT TENSION on the MOTOR: The motor bracket (A) has a long slot approximately 1", this allows the motor to be adjusted up and down. Some motors will also allow the bracket to be adjusted front to back.

Place the motor bracket (A) on the boss (B) on the sewing machine, aligning the two vertical slots of (A and B). Then insert the motor mounting screw / washer (C) and after shifting the motor upward as far as it will go, gently tighten the screw. Slip the belt into the "V" groove in the hand wheel and then into the groove of the motor pulley.
To adjust the belt tension loosen the attaching screw slightly. The motor can now be shifted up or down to allow for a proper fit. NOTE: The belt must not be set to tight, allow for approximately 3/16" (5mm) slack in the belt. Firmly tighten the screw (C) making sure the two vertical slots of (A and B) are properly aligned.
Test the system for proper adjustment if too tight or to loose readjust. If you find you can not obtain a proper adjustment then you have most likely chosen the incorrect belt.

In choosing a replacement belt I highly recommend the stretch belts. The stretch belts will offer a better fit.

If you are not comfortable replacing or adjusting your motor belt we recommend you take your machine to your nearest certified sewing machine technician.
                                                                                                                                                    Motor Belt "V" Lug Type (orange):
Belts are measured to approximate size, in most cases to a 1/8" increments.
To help determine the correct size please use the E-Z measuring system above see (Fig. 3).
Special note: These belts are listed below individually by E-Z size and with additional information.