Tighten Fan Belt?

JerseyJim

JerseyJim

Member
I am installing a fan belt on a 46 engine. Of course, this engine has separate fan and generator belts. My question? How can you apply tension to the belt and tighten it? I can't see anywhere that you could pry against to stretch and tighten the belt. I am of course aware that when tensioned, there should be an inch of deflection mid-span on the belt. I know there must be a simple answer to this that I'm missing.

Any help would be appreciated.
 
This is what I use.

Vergil

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Nifty looking tool Vergil. I always wondered how they did it in the day. I've levered against a block of wood on my F1 with the other end sitting on the chassis. Another method I've tried is straddling the engine with my backside to the firewall and one foot on each chassis rail while I heave with one hand on the fan and tighten the nut with the other. I'm sure it's not a pretty sight (or sound) ...
 
My version
Not so nice but it works.
 

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I tighten the generator/pump belt first by inserting my cresent wrench handle under the generator right against the front bracket so the end is on the intake manifold bracket under the front of the generator (see photo) then push down the end of the wrench to "pry" the generator up as tight as I want the belt and hold it there while tightening the bolt that holds it in place. It takes very little effort with that much leverage. No special jig or tool required. Just simple leverage. That belt is the more critical for tightness since it runs both water pumps and the generator. The fan belt I tighten by just pulling up on the fan while tightening one of the bolts that holds it in place. Again, doesn't take much effort to just lift the fan up. It's not heavy like the generator is. Then I can quit pulling up on the fan and tighten the other bolt. I don't think the tightness of that belt is as critical as the other that I get tighter by "prying" the generator up.
 

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Vigil, I like a guy that's always thinking, well done on that concept.
I have an engine hoist and use the boom with a rope around the generator and jack it up to correct play then tight it off.
 
This is what makes the FordBarn great. A good thread question and an excellent tool idea out of it!

Because of this thread, we should now have a ford barner Tool of the month! Virgil, you got the month of December wrapped up, no pun intended:D
 
Thanks for the help guys.

I love that tool as well Vergil. I'm sure that Ford Service Departments way back when must have had something like this. I'm definitely going to take a spare wrench and make one as well. Went to a late season car show here in NJ today. Several flatheads in attendance. Got a chance to check out the belt setups on several different engines. My engine is a mix of parts from different years. Still don't completely have this sorted out.
 
JerseyJim said:
Thanks for the help guys.
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JerseyJim said:
I love that tool as well Vergil. I'm sure that Ford Service Departments way back when must have had something like this. I'm definitely going to take a spare wrench and make one as well. Went to a late season car show here in NJ today. Several flatheads in attendance. Got a chance to check out the belt setups on several different engines. My engine is a mix of parts from different years. Still don't completely have this sorted out.
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Thanks Jim, My setup (2 av8's) is also a little different. I am running one narrow belt driving water pumps and fan, added another pulley by the fan pulley that drives an alternator. Have 2000+ miles on it so far and have not had any problems with it yet but might shred a belt tomorrow. I like the different belt tightening techniques, they all work and it shows how smart the boys here are.


Vergil
 
I know this is an old thread, but I figured I would share how I've been doing it for people searching the archives. I've had good luck putting a punch in the slot and prying up. I put a piece of wood on the intake to keep from scratching it up.
 

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Every time I come to this site I learn something,I've been adjusting mine with a crowbar and a wooden block,I love this place!!!!
 
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Thaplumbr......that's what I use. A piece of oak carved out to catch on a bolt head and use my crowbar to pry up the alternator. Vergil that is sweet what you made up !!

Mike
 
Vergil's tool inspired me to make this fulcrum. It works great!
 

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Ross....Have that chromed,and leave it on the truck...I like it..
I was going to post a photo of my "Bloody Knuckle" that happened the other night when the bar slipped....Walking through the house to get a band aide,she asked me "What did you do this time??".....I'm building one of those today...Carl in SoCal..
 
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