What GM Exec designed this?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 161
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From: New Baltimore MI
What GM Exec designed this?
I went to check the power steering fluid tonight on my 76. The dip stick was positioned directly under the alternator support bracket. Couldn't get it out to check the fluid. Any suggestion? Thanks GG
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 161
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From: New Baltimore MI
No it's not leaking and the steering has been the same as always. we went for a drive tonight and at a light I heard a sound from the engine that I haven't heard before, While the car was ideling there was a couple of vibration sounds alternating with a smooth idle. When we got home and lifted the hood there was a greenish fluid sprayed all over the air fliter and valve covers. I wanted to check the steering fluid just because I wasn't sure what was sprayed over the engine but I did find a crack in a upper radoator hose. So I think that's the problem but I would like to be able to check the power steering fluid but the alternator bracket is in the way. Yes is it a pita and a bummer. I ask the gods for minial problelms. GG
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
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From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Originally Posted by GuinessGary
I went to check the power steering fluid tonight on my 76. The dip stick was positioned directly under the alternator support bracket. Couldn't get it out to check the fluid. Any suggestion? Thanks GG
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
CI-VIII Burnout Champ
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Originally Posted by 63mako
My 72 was the same way. I could get it out with a little wiggling and profanity but it was very poorly designed and they didn't resolve it for at least 4 years. Try again and I bet you will get it out but it is a hastle.
My 1980 is the same way. I can get it out, but it's a real pain in the ***.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
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From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Originally Posted by Mike Ward
Don't blame GM. Bubba put the wrong length belt on your car. The correct belt will allow you to remove and replace the cap with relative ease.
I had a correct part # GM belt and it had me ripping my hair out! My name isn't Bubba.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 844
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From: Central KY
Shorter Belt May Work
Take off the belt that is on there now. Go down to NAPA and ask them to measure and give you one a half-inch shorter. That will pull your filler neck in towards the engine center and allow you to remove the cap much easier. I had the same problem on my big block - but, worse still, the cap was pressed against a big bolt on the front of the engine. Once it moved inboard I could deal with it. It will still be a PITA but you can work through it with a shorter belt on there.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Someone in accounting may have got a very good deal on some slightly short belts.
Change PS belt to slightly longer- for a cross reference Gates 7365.
Change PS belt to slightly longer- for a cross reference Gates 7365.
Last edited by Ganey; May 1, 2006 at 08:48 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
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Originally Posted by 63mako
I had a correct part # GM belt and it had me ripping my hair out! My name isn't Bubba. The present day GM replacements are a different size in cross section (smaller). This causes the belt to ride lower in the pulley, and the pump to be pushed further outwards making the cap difficult to get off.Your GM dealer should know this. I guess he must be Bubba.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
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From: Moon Township PA
My 72 is the same way. I can sometimes get the PS cap off easily. Other times, it seems like it has a mind of its own. You can use a thin screwdriver as a dipstick. Unscrew the cap, move it off to the side and use your screwdriver to dip in the clean fluid and then check the level.
Gary
Gary
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,186
Likes: 45
From: detroit area
i blew a few hoses from the upper rad hose rubbing on the alternator bracket arm thingy......... i'm changing my brackets soon and gonna get a s.s. hose for the rad....... and i have the same problem with my cap too
b
b
