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Discussion Topic:
fan belt adjustment
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coupeman |
03-10-2017 @ 10:50 AM
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Member
Posts: 62
Joined: Oct 2009
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Anybody have suggestions on how to adjust fan belt slop with engine in the car. I have a 48 flathead v8 and I need to adjust both the generator and fan assy belts, as you know the generator is heavy and awkward to hold in place while you tighten bolts, fan assy is not heavy but is also awkward to hold in place while you tighten bolts. I would like know what method could be used to help me since this is a one man(old guy) operation.
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carcrazy |
03-10-2017 @ 11:31 AM
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Senior
Posts: 1667
Joined: Oct 2009
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To adjust the generator belt, loosen the large nut on the bracket that holds the generator to the intake manifold, place a crowbar or length of 2X4 between the bottom of the generator and the top of the intake manifold, lift up on tool you are using to gain the correct belt tension while tightening the nut. To adjust the fan belt, loosen the two bolts that retain the fan assembly to the generator bracket and pull up on the fan assembly by hand to obtain the correct belt tension while tightening the two bolts. Check your belts tensions after the adjustments have been made and readjust if required.
This message was edited by carcrazy on 3-10-17 @ 11:32 AM
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cliftford |
03-10-2017 @ 3:12 PM
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Senior
Posts: 845
Joined: Jan 2014
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I do this in much the same way, but I use a screw type valve spring compressor, the curved type, to hold the generator up while I tighten the gen nut. I just stick it under the gen. and tighten the hand wheel till I get the proper tension on the belt. Then I adjust the fan.
This message was edited by cliftford on 3-10-17 @ 9:35 PM
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deluxe40 |
03-10-2017 @ 7:16 PM
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Member
Posts: 413
Joined: Oct 2009
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I got a piece of 3/4" x 1/8" steel strap about 14" long, a piece of 5/16 x 18 threaded rod about 10" long and two nuts the same size. I drilled a hole in the 3/4" piece of steel about 4" from one end and put a slight bend upward at about 5" from the same end. I threaded the hole in the strap to fit the rod and locked the two nuts together on one end of the rod. I put the short end of the strap under the generator from the passenger side with the hole above the blank hole on the same side of the intake manifold. I screw the rod into the threaded hole aiming it to fit into the blank hole in the intake manifold. As I screw down the rod (with a short handled ratchet) it bottoms out in the hole and lifts the strap up along with the generator. I hold the long end of the strap in my left hand to adjust the generator while I test the belt with my right hand and then tighten the bolts. On my '40 the fan is on the crank and doesn't have a belt. On my '51 there is no blank hole in the intake manifold so I drilled a slight indent into the top of one of the manifold bolts to locate the rod. Once the generator is solid, the fan is easier to handle. I did this about 10 years ago and the tool has served me ever since. I think I read about it in the V-8 Times.
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39 Ken |
03-11-2017 @ 4:40 AM
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Member
Posts: 380
Joined: Oct 2009
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As deluxe 40 said, the belt adjustment bar can be found in the JAN/FEB 2006 issue on page 18. The tool was made by Chuck Ferencz from Ohio. The article, also written by him showed that he made the tool using aluminum bar stock 1/2" thick by 1 & 1/2" and 17 1/2" long. Chuck drilled and tapped a hole (3/8-16) 4 1/2" from one end and used a 3/8" carriage bolt for the adjustable fulcrum. Good tool. Works great and lasts a long time.
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deluxe40 |
03-11-2017 @ 10:02 AM
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Member
Posts: 413
Joined: Oct 2009
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39 Ken: Thanks for the correct reference. It would have taken me a long time to find it. And, thanks to Chuck Ferencz for publishing the directions.
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coupeman |
03-11-2017 @ 6:45 PM
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Member
Posts: 62
Joined: Oct 2009
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Thanks for all your inputs, I 'll busy making a tool from the ideas.
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Drbrown |
03-12-2017 @ 9:12 PM
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Senior
Posts: 570
Joined: Nov 2013
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Maybe my '47 is different ..... From the passenger side, I stick my socket extension shaft underneath, nest the end of it on the coil bracket that's bolted to the top of the driver's side head, and lift until the gen/water pump belt can only be depressed about a 1/2 inch. Next I use a pry bar on the water pump housing to tighten the fan belt.
This message was edited by Drbrown on 3-12-17 @ 9:17 PM
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len47merc |
03-13-2017 @ 5:50 AM
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Senior
Posts: 1165
Joined: Oct 2013
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It should be the same Drbrown. These custom tools are 'nice to haves' but an extension or pry bar is all you really need as you say. I use a 12 1/4" long heavy shaft Craftsman screwdriver and it works fine, using the top front of the manifold under the generator as the fulcrum.
Steve
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TomO |
03-13-2017 @ 7:07 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7256
Joined: Oct 2009
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Drbrown, you are adjusting your belt too tight, and it may damage the generator bearing or the water pump bushings. The correct adjustment is 1" of deflection half way between the water pump and generator. See your Operator's Manual.
Tom
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