PS Pump Hitting Frame Question...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 364
Likes: 103
From: Atlanta
PS Pump Hitting Frame Question...
Hey guys,
I know a lot of people have experience with the PS pump hitting the frame. I wanted to ask about my particular situation:
My passenger side motor mount has been replaced 2 years go, but the driver's side looks to be significantly older. To me this makes it seem like the newer mount on the passenger side would "lean" the engine towards the driver's side, therefore possibly creating the interference with the frame. I do not think I can just use a shorter belt because there is too little adjustment in the PS pump bracket before the pump frame hits the bracket. In addition, the pulley is so close to the frame that there is no way to slip a belt on or off.
My engine does visibly rock a bit when applying the gas. I did not think it was out of the ordinary, so I have not really pursued this until now.
So... is my best bet to try a new driver's engine mount?
I know a lot of people have experience with the PS pump hitting the frame. I wanted to ask about my particular situation:
My passenger side motor mount has been replaced 2 years go, but the driver's side looks to be significantly older. To me this makes it seem like the newer mount on the passenger side would "lean" the engine towards the driver's side, therefore possibly creating the interference with the frame. I do not think I can just use a shorter belt because there is too little adjustment in the PS pump bracket before the pump frame hits the bracket. In addition, the pulley is so close to the frame that there is no way to slip a belt on or off.
My engine does visibly rock a bit when applying the gas. I did not think it was out of the ordinary, so I have not really pursued this until now.
So... is my best bet to try a new driver's engine mount?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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As a long time owner of a small block C3. I can tell you with absolute certainty that it's always the drivers side mount that fails. I've gone through a few of them over the years. The engine pitches up and to the right when you nail it. And it pulls up on the drivers side motor mount and tears it. The passenger side gets pushed down.
pictures of exactly where your contacting the frame could be very helpful. Is your engine or pump to far forward?
I think a replacement motor mount or all 3 might be a real good place to start. If the one on the trans is incorrect or incorrectly installed it could raise the rear up and the front of the engine down.
pictures of exactly where your contacting the frame could be very helpful. Is your engine or pump to far forward?
I think a replacement motor mount or all 3 might be a real good place to start. If the one on the trans is incorrect or incorrectly installed it could raise the rear up and the front of the engine down.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 364
Likes: 103
From: Atlanta
pictures of exactly where your contacting the frame could be very helpful. Is your engine or pump to far forward?
I think a replacement motor mount or all 3 might be a real good place to start. If the one on the trans is incorrect or incorrectly installed it could raise the rear up and the front of the engine down.
I think a replacement motor mount or all 3 might be a real good place to start. If the one on the trans is incorrect or incorrectly installed it could raise the rear up and the front of the engine down.
You can see where the belt surface has been abraded to the same height as the pulley.
Last edited by Black72GTS; Jul 14, 2023 at 08:41 AM.
Pro
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 520
Likes: 5
From: Front Range
The cheapest and easiest thing to try first would be a slightly shorter belt, it will pull the pump inward and upward based on how the bracket is set up IIRC. Or even just a fresh belt of the same size. It's possible your belt is stretched.
I remember running into this myself, and had to try a couple different belts to get everything to fit correctly.
I remember running into this myself, and had to try a couple different belts to get everything to fit correctly.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,225
Likes: 7,823
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
It does look like your belt is just a little long. Keep in mind these are available in 5mm increments. I run a 11A0925. Sized belt. A 11A belt is 11mm wide or almost exactly 7/16ths.
A thicker than stock trans mount can cause all sorts of issues from driveshaft U joint alignment to fan to shroud clearance to the type of issue you have here.
both things to look at. Belt and trans mount.
A thicker than stock trans mount can cause all sorts of issues from driveshaft U joint alignment to fan to shroud clearance to the type of issue you have here.
both things to look at. Belt and trans mount.
