On a flathead, what are the tricks to adjusting the generator and fan belts? Seems like you have to adjust the generator first but when doing so you have to make sure the square washer is aligned for the fan belt adjuster.

 

Not one of Henry's better ideas...keeping that square washer straight is the key. Sometimes I will remove the fan belt and move the fan up first so it doesn't fall out of the groove. Then adjust gen belt, then install fan belt. Make sure you don't over tighten the belts....

 

Where do you lift up on the generator bracket?

 

I usually stick a flat prybar under the bottom edge. Be careful of what you pry on though.....it doesn't take a lot of force, just enough to hold it up and tighten the nut.

 

I noticed that after the adjustment, my generator (looking top down) is scewed a but, not much, 1 degree or less, but still noticeable. Is this typical.

 

Generator bracket should not be able to move very much side to side. Check your intake mounting surface for defects. Some times the edges get broken off. I had one break once.....sent the fan, generator, etc thru the radiator....

 

Hey folks,

would anyone have any photos of doing this fan belt adjustment?
on a 51/52 ~ 239V8 ?

with all the other stuff I'm working on, this 'contraption' has me a bit befuddled on how this works, i've never seen a belt adjuster like this before.

(and I thought AirCooled/VW's were the weirdest belt adjuster's i'd seen till now, heck I wish all I had to do was add/remove a few washers!)

I can see the gen/alt bracket adjustment, it looks like it's 2 bolts/nuts and the fan adj looks like 1 large nut.

I need to replace both belts and without removing the dern radatior to get a better view; thought I'd ask.

WIth the Rad out, you could see and access it very easy. My hood's off, so doing this wouldnt really be a major issue.

Well, just asking,
Plan b is I start removing stuff and figure it out the hard way.
Need to order the dern manual too, all I have is the parts manual.

Thanks yall!
T

 

This topic was discussed over on the flathead forum a little while back. Pay particular attention to the pics on the fourth post by "Vergil". It's one of those little garage inventions that makes everybody else say "WOW" and run to their shop to duplicate it.

Ford Flathead V8 .. 1932 thru 1953 • View topic - Help adjusting belts

 

you do it just like this.... sept a little different

How NOT to Change a Fan Belt! - YouTube

john

 

That's pretty impressive. But don't try this at home, kids.

 

Thanks for answering my question guys,

I read the post,
Doc's right, I like the little wrench pivot point Virgil made, very nice idea.
I'm sure I can find a 'el-cheapo' wrench to make one.

Ordered 2 belts from Napa today, bout fell out on the cost but my old belts look like they are 60yrs old. gotta have em.

Adding what that post says if anyone else find this post. This was supposed to be the correct answer. Thanks Flathead4d!

Re: Help adjusting belts

by Flathead4d » Sun Jan 22, 2012 9:59 am
Loosen all three bolts. Tighten the generator belt first and the large bolt. Then tighten the fan belt and the two smaller bolts. I think I got the order right but if not someone here will correct me.



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Flathead4d

<DD><DD>Posts: 80<DD>Joined: Tue Dec 09, 2008 10:35 am<DD>Location: Michigan, just south of the Motor City.</DD></DL>

BTW, that belt change video shows how good German ingenuity is, a belt tightner that is 1 nut, 2 halves and a handful of washers, too many washers, loose belt, too few, tight belt.
What a cool idea, no cussing, no pulling or slipped wrenches, I smile every time I do a belt adjustment on my 73 THING.
They took the MF out of it.

Thanks and Happy Motoring! (Dankeschön und Gute Fahrt!)