V-belt Tension

Prairie Schooner

Jeff & Donna, E35-3 purchased 7/21
alt belt installation 2025_6-29.jpeg

Modifying the install tool from post #25 didn't work. I was able to get the NAPA 7390 belt on by taking the arm off the top and grunting strenuously, but it was a real struggle. Turns out, in addition to the arm touching the hose, the body of the alternator is in significant contact. The previous hose was lighter duty allowing it to compress enough. So, the answer is not putting a curve in the arm to relieve contact with the hose. I need to lengthen the slot and use a 7395. But there's only so much room before the alternator hits the bulkhead.

In the meantime, the belt now has enough tension to get the power and pumping I feel it needs. So I can punt that project down the road. When I get to it, if I'm smart, I'll follow Christian's recommendation.

* I just noticed the asymmetrical fan on the alternator. That's weird.
 

Prairie Schooner

Jeff & Donna, E35-3 purchased 7/21
Cautionary Tale
Well, that was a bad idea. I got a tighter belt but ended up grinding a hole in the oil filter.
post # 21
The hip bones connected to the leg bone, etc. . . .

I went back to the 7395 belt which will work for now, though it's too floppy for my liking. At some point I'll either modify the existing arm or make a new one. I'd kind of like trying to get a part water jet cut. I've never done that before.

@bigd14 - Doug, whatever you do, learn from my mistakes!
 
Top