Mark PittPayne

I am going to be replacing my belts but have one question. Pretty simple 3 belt setup. Alternator belt, Power Steering belt and Crankshaft to waterpump belt. I have no problem locating the alternator and power steering tension pivot bolts, but I can't see anything to relieve the belt tension on the short belt that runs centre pulley from the crank to the water pump. Whats the trick here? Any help much appreciated. Thanks.

Mark

...Roger...

One way is to start belt on pulley and bump starter.If it is tight it can tear belt.The way I do it is remove crankshaft pulley-put belt on water pump then around crank pulley and bolt back up.

I'm Batman

Another way is to install A/C.

Mark PittPayne

All I could see was to remove the crank pulley as well. Gotta do what I gotta do I guess. ( and no I won't be adding a/c...lol...I'll scrape my knuckles to keep the power I have.)

Thanks.
Mark

mandm1200

I'm not sure if its easier to remove the crankshaft pulley or the fan/water pump pulley.

...Roger...

Madman the pump pulley is easier to work with but with the studs sticking out it is hard to get it up in place-if you use bolts instead of studs that might work but I just do the bottom pulley so I can retain the studs

Mark PittPayne

And the Winna Is?....mandm1200....Thanks. Took the fan off and then the pulley. Belt came of sweet as honey. Figure I will do some clean up and detailing while I have it all apart. Get the belts on, replace a rubber fuel line to the fuel pump, and that pretty much finishes my mechanical to do list. Its Cruisin' Time.

...Roger...

Oh Crap I never get to win !!! Glad you got it together.

Mark PittPayne

Ok...dwncchs...you win too...lol. I have the studs so it was easier. Its nice to have the alternate points of view and its why the forum is so good.

Thanks.

Greg

Am I understanding this thread correctly or am I stoned?

Are you asking how to adjust/install the belt that runs between the crankshaft pulley and water pump pulley only????

There is no belt for just those two!!!!

Water pump is run by the alternator belt.

If you have a two groove crank pulley, the outer groove runs the power steering only. The inner groove runs the water pump and alternator.

If you have a three groove crank pulley the middle groove also runs the water pump and the air conditioner.

If I've misunderstood your question, just ignore this.

Best,
Greg

Mark PittPayne

Thanks Greg,
My setup is it different. Not sure if its because of the L82 or no a/c. Seem to be several different setups. I know my last L48 was different, but it was an a/c car.

Its a 3 groove pulley(at the crank). Front runs the power steering. Center runs the water pump only. Back runs the alternator.

Greg

I'm certain you're mistaken. I can post a picture if you like.
Do you have a two groove water pump pulley?

Mark PittPayne

Ok...I see where your confusion is. Its 3 at the crank, 2 at the pump.
No worries, we got her all figured out on this end. Appreciate the help.

Mark

Greg

Your '76 has the identical set up to my '75. This is the correct and only way the belts were installed on these cars. This shows mine with the A/C not yet installed. I hope the pics are clear enough to see.
Greg

Greg

I just read your post after I posted the pics.
Yes, three groove crank pulley and two groove water pump pulley is correct for your car and the install set up I described.
Greg

Mark PittPayne

Thanks Greg,
You have a point. I think somebody added that third belt thinking that empty groove just had to be filled. They have been on the car since I bought it in 2000 so until today I never really thought anything was amiss. Certainly does not require it without a/c. Now you can see why it was such a pain to get it off. It wasn't supposed to be there in the first place. One less belt to put back on tomorrow.

I really like your braided hoses and engine detailing. Looks great.

Mark

Greg

Thanks Mark,
I went to the Pomona Swap Meet last month and there was a guy selling the complete braided hose kits for like $20. I grabbed two of them and gave one to a buddy of mine. If you'd like one for your Vette let me know. I'll grab one the next time I'm there and send it up to you. They're an easy install and really clean up your engine compartment. They come with either the chrome ends like I got or you can get red ends or blue ends.
good luck with the belts!
Best,
Greg

...Roger...

If your not running the air belt- the belt from crank to water pump is a good idea- because if the alt. belt breaks your water pump still works-no brainer

rihwoods

Hmmm..I have a three belt crank pulley..78 L-82..from front of engine to rear:
1st groove= Power steering
2nd groove= A/c
3rd groove= Alternator belt..

Rich

Mark PittPayne

Yup...yer right. That would be why it got put on there, but I stay on top of these things so I won't be putting her back on. The belts that have just come off would still be good by most peoples standards. They will ride in the onboard tool kit in the event of failure, as its an easy roadside repair. I'm laughing as I type that. The car only has 59000 miles on it for a reason. I could just walk home, get the tools, and then do the repair....lol.

I think its time to put this thread to bed. I really appreciate everyone's help. Hopefully I can return the favor with some of my limited knowledge in the future.

Thanks for the offer on the braided hoses Greg. I actually have access to them from the race team I work for. Been thinking about going that route, and seeing yours just tipped me in that direction.

Mark