belt replacement

[busty]

Belt snapped on my 272, got a new one coming in the mail, i should be able to do this myself right? how do i set the tension?

 

[streetdreams]

The old timey way is about 1/2 inch deflection when tightened.

 

[Y-Blockhead]

You set the tension by loosening the generator and pulling (prying) it away from the block to tighten the belt. 1/2" deflection is good. Then tighten generator.

 

[Ole Don]

Tighter is not better. 1/2 inch deflection is very tight, less is to tight. At one full inch, less stress on water pump and generator bearings, but it wont slip.

 

[Y-Blockhead]

Don, no argument, don't want it too tight. Ford 1955 Shop Manual sez "For V-8's half inch inward deflection with normal thumb pressure". Whatever "normal thumb pressure" might be...