Spring loaded idler on 304

[Lyle Wiese]

I am working on a '66 304e. What is/was the reasoning behind the spring loaded idler pulley and an adjustable alternator mount for tensioning the belt? I would think it would be one or the other.

Lyle

 

[Robert Kenney]

This May be a dumb question but are you sure the tensioner is oe?

 

[jeff campbell]

I am working on a '66 304e. What is/was the reasoning behind the spring loaded idler pulley and an adjustable alternator mount for tensioning the belt? I would think it would be one or the other.

Lyle

Because in the position the belt is in, the length is so long,it's needed. Without it,it would flap...Jeff

 

[Lyle Wiese]

this May be a dumb question but are you sure the tensioner is oe?

Yes, it is oe.

 

[Lyle Wiese]

because in the position the belt is in, the length is so long,it's needed. Without it,it would flap...Jeff

That thought had crossed my mind; just never seen it before except on this engine and the one sitting on the garage floor.

Lyle

 

[ihpartsjeff]

I know the Scout 800 engine compartment is so narrow that a different alternator bracket is used bringing the alternator more up above the valve cover. Because of this the belt would rub the water tube so the pulley is used to help the belt go around it. Bets answer I've come up with so far.

 

[Mark Pietz]

I'd like to see a picture.

 

[Lyle Wiese]

I know the Scout 800 engine compartment is so narrow that a different alternator bracket is used bringing the alternator more up above the valve cover. Because of this the belt would rub the water tube so the pulley is used to help the belt go around it. Bets answer I've come up with so far.

Jeff,

makes sense for the 800, but both of the engines I have are out of pickups. I will post a pic later on this afternoon.

Lyle

 

[jeff campbell]

Correct lyle, they were mostly found on t' all's & pickup's,I've never seen them on Scout's,I even have a few of them. I even think the 66 t' all I just got home has 1 ? Not sure but will check. I have pics of them,but not on motor's, Jeff/// found the pics, sold this to steve for his t'lette.out in your side of the country...it's just wired up to a '78 345 so I could show how it's supposed to be set up. On a s 11 motor. Jeff

 

[Lyle Wiese]

Here is a photo of the setup on one of the 304 engines I have.

Lyle

 

[FDChappie]

That setup sure looks like it could be converted to a serpentine belt real easy.

 

[jeff campbell]

That;s the 1 ! Yup it sure cud,just get a pully to fit that bracket...Jeff

 

[Greg R]

I've seen one or two of those at mr Scout in oregon.

Service letters show they were used in the mid sixties to deal with fan belt jumping.

In 69 IH switched to smaller diameter pulleys to reduce belt speed and eliminate belts jumping off the pulleys.