Big Block Idler- Why Fixed?

[Rich C.]

I've never quite understood how the idler pulley, being fixed, accomplishes anything. If it was spring loaded, that would be one thing, but....?

[Ronald L.]

Re: Big Block Idler- Why Fixed?

Rich,
Not to speculate, please post a picture.

[Tom L.]

Re: Big Block Idler- Why Fixed?

Dave, I'm pretty sure the water pump belt that uses the idler on a/c cars and the water pump on non a/c cars is the same part# 3952336. I think the idler pulley is there on a/c cars to maintain tension as it wears/streaches over time. Either way, the belt will NOT fit onto the pulleys without removing one, it's a chore at best.

[Dick W.]

Re: Big Block Idler- Why Fixed?

Unless we are talking about different parts, all the BB idler pulley's I have seen, sold, installed, judged, etc have been adjustable??

[Tom L.]

Re: Big Block Idler- Why Fixed?

Sorry if I wasn't clear, the pulley is adjustable. I meant that it would be adjusted according to wear periodically, which would prevent slippage.

[John H.]

Re: Big Block Idler- Why Fixed?

Sorry if I wasn't clear, the pulley is adjustable. I meant that it would be adjusted according to wear periodically, which would prevent slippage.

Lynn -

There were no spring-loaded idler pulleys until the serpentine belt drive systems appeared during the C4 era.

[Rich C.]

Re: Big Block Idler- Why Fixed?

Unless we are talking about different parts, all the BB idler pulley's I have seen, sold, installed, judged, etc have been adjustable??

Yes they are 'adjustable', but locked in place with nut/lockwasher. So they don't act like a sepentine idler. They were installed on BB's with A/C.

[Rich C.]

Re: Big Block Idler- Why Fixed?

No ideas? Anyone?

[John H.]

Re: Big Block Idler- Why Fixed?

No ideas? Anyone?

Rich -

The idler bracket is adjustable to maintain tension on the drive belt, just like the adjustments on the brackets for the compressor, alternator, and power steering pump belts.