'69 BB Water Pump Belt

[Steven C.]

The AIM shows the first track for my engine (L71 w/power steering) as being crank and water pump only, no idler pulley.

If this is correct, how do I install/tension the belt?

[Dick W.]

Re: '69 BB Water Pump Belt

The backup belts are a very tight fit. some people remove the fan and waterpump pulley, install the belt on both pulleys and then reinstall the pulley. Some "roll" the belt on the pulleys by turning the engine with a pry bar. Either is no fun but it can be done

[Steven C.]

Re: '69 BB Water Pump Belt

Thanks, Dick. I've installed belts on fixed pulleys before, but was surprised that was "factory".

Thanks for being such a rapid and informative resource.
Steve

[Terry M.]

Re: '69 BB Water Pump Belt

Some remove the crankshaft pulley and reinstall it with the belt in place. The crankshaft pulley is easy if you have a hoist or other access to the bottom of the engine.
The waterpump/fan is likely easiest for those with only access from the top.
In either case it is important to have the proper size belt -- no mean feat now days.

[Steven C.]

Re: '69 BB Water Pump Belt

Thanks Terry. How do I determine belt size (width and length) for that belt? My engine is out, so I can easily install belt...I don't have any of the belts.

Steve

[Terry M.]

Re: '69 BB Water Pump Belt

Best suggestion I can offer is to wait until next week when the heavy hitters on this board are back from Carlisle.

If you have an Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) for your car, see if you can find the part number for the captive belt. Should be a whole page with different belt configurations for all the engines and options someplace in the AIM. Post a question asking to confirm the number you find, its dimensions, and the current replacement part number -- if there is one. Joe Lucia usually handles those kinds of questions quite well.

You might also inquire about the quality of the reproduction belt for your application. I know some are right on, and others are off by a bit -- but it varies by application, so you have to find someone who blazed the trail before you for an accurate assessment.

Many/most belts are available from Quanta products, and can be ordered through their web site. Goggle them for the site. They will be at Carlisle this weekend also, so don't rush. This weekend the Corvette world all centers on that place, and the rest of us just have to wait.

[Mark Churchill]

Re: '69 BB Water Pump Belt

Steve,

I don't know if their the same but my 68 L71 ia a Gates Green Stripe parts # 9325 or 13A0825. The dimensions are 16/32 x 32 & 7/8 ths or 12.5 / 13 mm x 835 mm.
Good luck,
Mark

[Steven C.]

Thanks, Mark *NM*