Topic: missing belt
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Lifetime MemberTrying to find the engine numbers on the engine yesterday, I realized that there was a missing belt, but i could tell for sure.
I then refered back to old pictures and ... yep; there's one missing; the one closest to the engine (left side on the picture).
My questions are:
what is that belt ?
How to replace it ?
What is the pulley next to it ? Its on the right side if you are looking at the front of the engine, and it is lined up with the missing belt, but never been "hooked" to anything.
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It's called a safety bely, or water pump belt. It has to be the first one to go on. In other words, take all the belts off and put that one on. It helps the alternator belt drive the water pump. Without it, at high RPMs, you could sling the alternator belt.
Thanks David.
Other question : I never shopped for belts before. I am assuming that I should replace all of them at the same time.
What should I look for when shopping for a belt, only length of there are different type/grade based on the application ?
I certainly replace all of them if the belts have any age on them, The best way to order or buy the belts is by application. Belts can be bought by just asking for a specific length, then you can easily get the wrong belt either it's too wide or too thin. If it's too thin it will want to pinch in the pulley.
Just order your belts by year,make and model of your car and which accessory it drives.
Couldn't find much online and even less in my books (including service manual..
)
)I went to Advanced Auto Parts today and their computer was even more confusing. Only 3 belts (based on model/year) showed up on the computer and one of the 3 was for some AC component (not the compressor) that I don't have anyway.
He did not have the "safety belt". I guess I will just take them out and bring them to the store for comparaison. One funny thing about the belts he has; the dented side is on top and my current belts, the dent are bottom (within groves).
In the meantime, can you guys confirm the routing based on this picture ? I have also put down the unknown adjustable pulley that has no groves on top. Don't know what it's suppose to do, but I am guessing adjusting the tension of the "safety belt" (which it was not previously).
Just found this thread where they descrive (at the end) the setup that I have and they call it the "less desirable to replace": http://www.c3vr.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=56860&KW=b elt&PN=0&TPN=1
The number next to the accessory is the number of groves.
Remember, it's also called a water pump belt. I'm not positive of the routing on your 74. Mine just goes from the crank shaft to the water pump. You actually have to take the water pump pulley off, or get it started as best you can and bump the motor to get it the rest of the way on. There is no adjustment pulley for that belt. I also have a 3 groove botom pulley. My car does not have power steering and no air.
Made some progress today. I found 3 of the 4 belts. Still can't missing the water pump belt.
I tried Advanced Auto.., AC Delco and a local Chevy dealer. None of their catalog/computer had this one.
One guy at ACDelco made me realize (since it's a CA car) that I was missing an air pump, which could explain a previously different routing of the belts. He does not believe that this water pump belt will make any difference if the other 3 are well adjusted (currently loose, so making a lot of noise....). I am assuming the air pump was removed way back when (in 75-76) when the headers were installed.
Thanks for the info David, I will install 3 new belts and get them as tight as they should and call it the day!
in Forum: C3 Engines
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