1968 C3 water pump belt

[Jay L. Flinders]

I did not want to confuse anyone out there by asking two questions at one time so here is my second question. My assembly manuel shows that the 68 427/390 witn no A/C, and no PS had three belts. 1st track water pump, 2nd track Generator, and third track A.I.R. Pump. My question because there is no adjusting bracket for the water pump belt how do you get it on? Or have they done away with it. I know that you can't even get a replacement belt for it from a parts store. They do not even show it as an item. Does any body have the two letter codes for the generator belt, the A.I.R. belt and the water pump belt. When I went to the chevy dealer here they said I needed the part number which I supplied. Of course it said no record. The parts man did say that if I had the two letter code he may be able to find it.

Thanks again for your understanding. Jay

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 C3 water pump belt

Jay------

If you want "correct" belts, you'll have to go with reproduction. However, if what you're after are functional replacements, here's what you need:

alternator----GM #9433762 code "GU"-----55.0" X 7/16" ----discontinued but can be cross-referenced from these numbers;

AIR pump-----GM #9433716 code "EW"-----32" X 7/16"----discontinued but can be cross-referenced from these numbers;

water pump-----GM #9433717 code "EX"----32-1/2" X 7/16"---remains available from GM. However, I think you'll find that this belt won't fit quite right (even though GM says it will) UNLESS your car is equipped with the stamped steel GM #3921923 crank pulley. It's worth a try, though; it's not that expensive. Otherwise, you'll have to go with a reproduction of the GM #3952336. The 3952336 was never used for 1968 models, but I think that it was developed for the 1969 model year to correct the fitment problem that occurred with the predecessor of the 9433717.

The water pump belt is what's called a "captured belt". They are difficult to install. There is a special tool available which aids installation (assuming you can find it). Otherwise, the best way is to remove the crank pulley, install the belt in the water pump and crank pulley grooves, then, with the pulley as close to the balancer as possible, pull down on the crank pulley until the flange on the rear center hole "snaps" into the balancer hole. Finally, rotate the pulley until you can install the 3/8" pulley-to-balancer bolts.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 C3 water pump belt

Jay------

If you want "correct" belts, you'll have to go with reproduction. However, if what you're after are functional replacements, here's what you need:

alternator----GM #9433762 code "GU"-----55.0" X 7/16" ----discontinued but can be cross-referenced from these numbers;

AIR pump-----GM #9433716 code "EW"-----32" X 7/16"----discontinued but can be cross-referenced from these numbers;

water pump-----GM #9433717 code "EX"----32-1/2" X 7/16"---remains available from GM. However, I think you'll find that this belt won't fit quite right (even though GM says it will) UNLESS your car is equipped with the stamped steel GM #3921923 crank pulley. It's worth a try, though; it's not that expensive. Otherwise, you'll have to go with a reproduction of the GM #3952336. The 3952336 was never used for 1968 models, but I think that it was developed for the 1969 model year to correct the fitment problem that occurred with the predecessor of the 9433717.

The water pump belt is what's called a "captured belt". They are difficult to install. There is a special tool available which aids installation (assuming you can find it). Otherwise, the best way is to remove the crank pulley, install the belt in the water pump and crank pulley grooves, then, with the pulley as close to the balancer as possible, pull down on the crank pulley until the flange on the rear center hole "snaps" into the balancer hole. Finally, rotate the pulley until you can install the 3/8" pulley-to-balancer bolts.

[Jay L. Flinders]

Re: 1968 C3 water pump belt

As always your knowledge is appreciated. Any Idea what the part number is of the special tool? Or what it was called? You never know what you will find if you ask around. Especially old repair shops.

[Jay L. Flinders]

Re: 1968 C3 water pump belt

As always your knowledge is appreciated. Any Idea what the part number is of the special tool? Or what it was called? You never know what you will find if you ask around. Especially old repair shops.