Belt Question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 686
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From: Southeast
Belt Question
The guy who built my motor and put it in for me apparently got belts that were too short. The only way I can figure that he got them on was with the valve covers off. I got the AC compressor belt off. I have my alternator loose with it sitting against the valve cover, and have about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of play with the belt. Way too tight to get it off. I'm in the process of changing out my water pump, and I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to just cut the belt and get one about 1/2" longer. Do they make belts that increase in these increments? Or should I remove the valve cover to just change the water pump? It just seems like it would be a lot more involved with the removal of the valve cover, especially if something were to go wrong again, and I would have to do it all over again. What would you do in this situation? I don't want to cut the belt and NAPA not have the correct size belt.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by Fubba
...I don't want to cut the belt and NAPA not have the correct size belt...
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
I use a flexible tape measure and pull it around the pulleys. Bring that measurement to NAPA. There should be an inch or so in adjustment in case you're off, and they always will exchange it until you get the right size...
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 500
Likes: 1
From: Philadelphia PA
With your roller rockers, you probably have tall valve covers --which arent stock. With tall valve covers (at least with me) the stock alternator belt requires me to take off the valve cover to be able to move the alternator to install the belt --leavingthe alternator about 1/4inch from the valve cover.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
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From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by Highhat
With your roller rockers, you probably have tall valve covers --which arent stock. With tall valve covers (at least with me) the stock alternator belt requires me to take off the valve cover to be able to move the alternator to install the belt --leavingthe alternator about 1/4inch from the valve cover.
