Alternator Alignment 1963 327/250HP

[Terry M.]

Re: Alternator Alignment 1963 327/250HP

Joe and Jim;

Proves we are never too old to learn something. I never heard of such an application from a factory before.

I used to work as an engineer/designer of cooling systems back in the late 50's for a major mfg. My boss always told us that before we made a critical decision or major design change, go to the bathroom and sit on it for a while. Guess someone at GM could have used the same advice. I never designed any belt drive application without a means of adjustment. Granted, the one of which we speak has a short sheave center to center dimension, but belts will always be belts and stretch with time and use. When I first saw this I thought it was some backyard mechanic's wet dream, Ha!

Stu Fox

Stu,

My early 1970 LT1, with no PS, came from the factory with a captive belt in the innermost (closest to the engine) groove. That is the way they did it for just the reasons Jim L cites.

Jim T -- the water pump hub on my 1970 has studs. It is a royal PITA to get the water pump pulley on and then install those studs. If I had a lift in the garage I would use Joe's suggestion. The good news is that the belts don't have to be changed too often any more.

[John L.]

Re: Alternator Alignment 1963 327/250HP

My first time trying to post photos so, not sure I got it right but, am attempting to upload two photos of the alternator. Would like to know if the 1/4" offset between the alternator and the fan pulley is correct. BTW, I tried the belt on the other fan pulley slot and the offset is the same, just in the other direction. Thanks.

[ATTACH]28051[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]28052[/ATTACH]

Joe:

[Joe L.]

Re: Alternator Alignment 1963 327/250HP

My 68 327/350 with no power steering has the captive belt. With the recent water pump change it made me realize that the way the fan clutch is attached to the waterpump is different from my 70. My 68 uses bolts from the fan clutch to the water pump. Makes installation line up of the pulleys with the captured belt a little frustrating. My 70 with all power and air, no caputred belt uses studs in the water pump and the installations of nuts to secure the fan clutch to the assembly. What does your 69 have?
If I have to do a water pump change again on the 68 I will consider going to studs and nuts to make installation easier.

Jim------


My 1969 is a late-build car (September, 1969). It uses studs for attachment of the fan clutch to the waterpump hub. However, I think that earlier 1969's might have used bolts, like 1968 and earlier. If so, I do not know when the change-over occurred.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Alternator Alignment 1963 327/250HP

Joseph,

After looking at your pictures again the lower alternator bracket looks like the correct 63 part.

I think the water pump hub is not pressed on far enough and when you put the belt in the second (correct) groove the hub needs to go in to line up.

If you look at Jim's pictures you can clearly see a difference in space between the relief in the W/P casting and pulley between the two cars. Jim's pulley is further in then the pulley on your car. I believe if you take the pulley off you can measure to check the dimension.

Check the archives for the correct dimension as it slips my mind now. If you want to press it further on, you need to remove the backing on the water pump and support the other end of the shaft or bearing/seal damage will occur. Not that big a deal just understand there is a correct way to do this..

[Timothy B.]

Re: Alternator Alignment 1963 327/250HP

Joseph,

To add to my last post, again after looking at pictures of your engine pulleys you can also clearly see misalignment of the W/P and crankshaft pulleys. They are not straight and the W/P pulley hub needs to go in toward the engine and all will be good.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Alternator Alignment 1963 327/250HP

Tim;

Might he possibly have the wrong water pump?

Stu Fox

[Joe L.]

Re: Alternator Alignment 1963 327/250HP

Tim;

Might he possibly have the wrong water pump?

Stu Fox

Stu-----


The waterpump itself appears to be correct. The hub spacing is another matter.