I took the generator off to have it rebuilt. Now that it’s back on the belt is hitting the lower radiator hose. I didn’t change anything.

Sounds like the gen has been moved rearward from where it was, or lowered from where it was. Assuming you are using the same old belt.
Doug

Yes, the same belt. I used everything the same to put it back together. What can I do differently?

I don’t see anyway it can be positioned forward or back any way since it fits on the bracket only one way. Would a shorter belt raise it on the arm?

How hard did you pull on that generator to get the belt tight...?

I only tighten enough to get 1/2" deflection midway on the longest stretch of the belt using your thumb and tighten things at that point...no need to get that belt so tight you start having bearing issues... Your old belt may have stretched and its time for a new one...

Its also possible the radiator hose is on a bit crooked and re-positioning could clear up your issue.

Could the rebuilder have put on a larger pulley?

It’s not super tight. But I’m going out again now to look at the belts closer. I will get back with you.
thanks

It’s done it with 2 hoses. The rebuilder put the same pieces back on.

Yes, a shorter belt will raise the unit.

Doug

An incorrect hose can cause problem, also repositioning the hose can make a diff. Don't push it so far on the water pump outlet, etc.
Doug

It went through 2 of the same hoses only after I replaced the generator. I was traveling far yesterday so when I checked everything out I noticed the hose had a nick in it. When I returned from about 200 miles the new hose had the same nick. I will try the repositioning too.

OK - I'm going to throw something out there and hope it doesn't cause a problem. Are you ABSOLUTELY sure your rebuilder gave you YOUR generator back after the rebuild ? Many old C1s are running around with passenger car generator backing plates on them and that changes the position that they mount in. See the attachment.

But wouldn't the passenger version put the generator higher, and the belt further from the hose?

I know it’s the same generator because there was an outline of darker paint under where the paper label is on the wire connector. I doubt that he changed any other pieces. He’s a pretty reliable guy and doesn’t get too many of these in his shop these days. But we will certainly check.

Not 100% sure.....some pictures might help...
I don't remember my 61 generator belt being anywhere near the radiator hose....
It may just be a fluke and the belt has stretched when he tightened the generator up after the rebuild and a slightly smaller (or new original size) belt would get him back on the road..

Can’t see how a shorter belt will work. The generator doesn’t go higher. It positions on the bracket only one way. I tried rolling it on the arm more but the tach unit hits the manifold.

I have had this car for 37 years and never had this issue until now.

The lower radiator hose can be installed backwards, pulling the hose closer to the radiator causing the interference (but you did not change the hose).

The generator pulley can be the wrong (passenger car) pulley that is about 1/2 of a groove closer to the engine, a common issue with deep groove pulleys on C1's with the front motor mount plate and C2 SHP engines (check the belt alignment, get your old pulley back).

Yes the belt is sitting on the hose and the frame.

The lower hose can also be slightly torqued onto the water pump and have a slight twist forward toward the gen belt.............