Engine Belt Advice
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 26
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From: Weston Floida
Engine Belt Advice
I recently had power steering installed in my 66 BB. The shop that did the install has only one engine belt versus the three belt layout shown in the 66 vette factory assembly manual. Other than it not looking stock, does it matter?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,345
Likes: 87
From: Northern MN
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Assuming they only put on the Alternator belt, yes it does matter. If the alternator belt breaks, the inside, short belt keeps the water pump going so it does not over heat. I only run two belts on mine. Yours must have something for either the A/C or for the CA emissions.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Weston Floida
Assuming they only put on the Alternator belt, yes it does matter. If the alternator belt breaks, the inside, short belt keeps the water pump going so it does not over heat. I only run two belts on mine. Yours must have something for either the A/C or for the CA emissions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,345
Likes: 87
From: Northern MN
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16-'17
I am not sure what pulley system you are running but I don't think it is correct for a BB. The two diagrams below show how the belts should go on either the L36 or the L72 when you are running just power steering. As you can see there are 3 belts. A short one to run the water pump off of the crank. A long one from the crank to water pump to power steering pump. Last one is a belt from the power steering pump to the alternator.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
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I though the aftermarket PS kits came with an add-on pulley for this purpose.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,345
Likes: 87
From: Northern MN
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16-'17
So, if you broke the belt you would lose power steering, electrical and cooling all at the same time with the configuration he has now.
