Alternator Belt Alignment
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Alternator Belt Alignment
I opened the hood today to check all fluids etc etc. I noticed that my alt belt is showing signs of wear towards the water pump side of the belt. I am thinking alt needs to go out more away from the water pump to correct this problem. My question is whats the best way to tell if pulleys are lined up properly.(I can't tell by eye) My first thought was some sort of straight edge. I have aftermarket zoops brackets, pulleys etc, so i should have some adjustment. Thanks Sixty4. 
Safety Car
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From: Clinton Township MI
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Alternator Belt Alignment
sixty4,
You're on the right track. I just went through this (blowing water pumps and as a result tracing the first water pump failure to a combination of belts too tight as well as pulley's just not aligned up. Use a straight edge to determine how close your alignment is.
If your pulley setup is not using factory stock pulleys, then your alternative is to purchase shims for the water pump pulley (they fit behind the pulley, undetectable, and could help with your alignment. If you are running stock pulleys you should have no issues on alignment.
Also, if you can find a shop that rebuilds alternators in your area, they may have a thicker/thinner pulley for the alternator that would accomplish what you need. The key is to carefully measure what you need, usually a 1/16" or possibly 1/8".
Good luck
JIm
You're on the right track. I just went through this (blowing water pumps and as a result tracing the first water pump failure to a combination of belts too tight as well as pulley's just not aligned up. Use a straight edge to determine how close your alignment is.
If your pulley setup is not using factory stock pulleys, then your alternative is to purchase shims for the water pump pulley (they fit behind the pulley, undetectable, and could help with your alignment. If you are running stock pulleys you should have no issues on alignment.
Also, if you can find a shop that rebuilds alternators in your area, they may have a thicker/thinner pulley for the alternator that would accomplish what you need. The key is to carefully measure what you need, usually a 1/16" or possibly 1/8".
Good luck
JIm
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From: Southeast Missouri
Originally Posted by 6T5RUSH
sixty4,
You're on the right track. I just went through this (blowing water pumps and as a result tracing the first water pump failure to a combination of belts too tight as well as pulley's just not aligned up. Use a straight edge to determine how close your alignment is.
JIm
You're on the right track. I just went through this (blowing water pumps and as a result tracing the first water pump failure to a combination of belts too tight as well as pulley's just not aligned up. Use a straight edge to determine how close your alignment is.
JIm
Le Mans Master
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From: Newburgh NY
MOR-64035 $6.95
Estimated Ship Date: Tomorrow
Application Show All
Brand: Moroso
Product Line: Moroso Universal Water Pump Pulley Shim Kit
Water Pump Pulley Shim Material: Aluminum
Shim Center Hole Inside Diameter (in): 0.750
Quantity: Sold as a set of 3.
From www.summitracing.com
Used them many times.
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Thanks to all for your advice - I think I have a resolution to the problem. Joe - thanks for the info on shims, as shims will probably solve the problem, but not water pump shims. I'll need to go with alternator shims, as it's the alternator that's out of alignment. Simpler fix than I originally thought.
Thanks again to all for your input....
--sixty4
Thanks again to all for your input....
--sixty4
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Mission Viejo California
You might have the wrong pulley on your alternator.
On my 63, the correct pulley is a machined steel item that is thicker on the back than the incorrect stamped steel pulley I currently have. I will have to replace the pulley before the car goes back together.
On my 63, the correct pulley is a machined steel item that is thicker on the back than the incorrect stamped steel pulley I currently have. I will have to replace the pulley before the car goes back together.
