alternator tensioning

[pineneedle]

O.k., here goes my first question on this forum. I have a 304 with the dual mount bracket (a/c and alternator). With the alternator hanging under the bracket, how do I adjust the belt tension? Is there supposed to be some kind of a slider bar that goes over to the block? Thanks in advance for any help.

Pineneedle

 

[Michael Mayben]

Cool ya found us john!

Here's a scan of one of several methods IH used to tension the alternator over the years, this was from a late model Scout II.

This is the simplest method. The early stuff used spring-loaded idlers, jack screws, etc. For the compressor drive and alternator which were really scruee. This one is dirt simple.

If ya use the cradle mount for the compressor as we've discussed, the belts for that will tensioned separately by moving the cradle mount in relation to the oem compressor mount. The mounting holes will be slotted to allow that to happen.

 

[pineneedle]

Thanks, michael,

can I infer from the picture that the slotted bar goes back to the rear bolt of the bracket itself? My bracket is a little different from the diagram, but it is essentially similar. It has four slots on top rather than two, and it is a heavy casting, while the diagram seems to indicate a "bent" piece.

John

 

[Michael Mayben]

There are at least three different compressor/alternator brackets that were used to mount either a york (die cast aluminum body) or tecumseh (cast iron body) two cylinder reciprocating compressor on the sv motors over the years. I believe two of 'em are cast iron, the one in that parts list page is a stamped steel mount and is a bit different and is also the "simplest" setup of the three.

Jeff has several of at least two of the cast mounts along with several different alternator stays. I didn't find any of the stamped mounts when I scrounged his stuff though there is much stuff I didn't sort through stashed away! Maybe he can look for a few different ones and post the pics.

Your cast mount is what I've referred to all along as we discussed mounting the a/c compressor in the cradle adapter.
That compressor mount was also used onna 196 inna Scout II for mounting an a.I.r. Pump as a/c was not available onna 4popper sii, with the delcotron slung underneath.

That adjuster stay would be real simple to fab out of similar parts produced for GM aftermarket applications. The pivot end could attach to several different points on the timing cover, water pump mount, etc. Some of those stays have a "dog leg" stamped into the pivot end also, by turning it upside down and using appropriate spacers/bolt, they could also be adapted and massaged into alignment with a hammer and anvil!