Belt replacement help
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New User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Marion mcdowell
Belt replacement help
Guys, I hate to be such a dummy, but I need someone to walk me through the steps of changing the alternator belt on my '79 Ford. The truck has a 460 engine, if that helps to give you a visual picture in your minds. I'm not much of an auto mechanic, but I'm pretty good with hand tools. I want to do this job myself, and would appreciate any tips or advice. Also, my carb. is way out of adjustment. My neighbor tried to adjust it a while back, and got it all messed up. there was a vacum hose that had came off of the back of the carb. that he wasn't aware of. After I noticed it, I put the hose back on, and the truck was running rough. I know that this is a lot to request, but i do appreciate you guys help. thanks a lot. Darby
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Joined: Sep 1999
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Belt replacement help
The only hard part to replacing the belts is to 1) make sure you have the correct new belts (take your old ones with you). 2)Getting to the bolts. First disconnect the battery then loosen all the components that are powered by the belts. Take off the old belts and replace them starting with the one closest to the block. Have someone put tension on the belt and tighten the bolts back. Too tight and you will probably burn the bearings, the belt should move about 1/2" when you depress it with your thumb.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,374
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From: Palm Bay, Florida
Belt replacement help
I'll jump in on the carb adjustment: first start the enging and let it run a while to warm up, then,(I believe you have a Holley carb on that '79 460)find the air fuel mixture screws one on each side of the carb, you'll need a very small screwdriver for this: just turn each one in or out until you get the highest smooth idle, and then stop there and adjust your idle speed kind of by ear, that screw is further back on the drivers side and goes aganst the throttle linkage, when you think you've got it close jump in the truck & hold your foot on the brake put it in gear & see if it still runs smooth, you may need to turn it up or down a little from there, the truck shouldn't run away from you if you lift your foot off the brake, just ease forward, hope this helps!! Rick
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New User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Marion mcdowell
Belt replacement help
Thanks so much for your help guys.You are right Rick,about my carb. being a holley. A lot of you guys have had experience with these 460 motors, and I knew someone here could help me. I am so grateful to people like yourselves, who will give of their valuable time to help someone in need. Don't take your posts lightly guys, you're doing a great service to people like myself. I am truly overwhelmed by the responses that I've gotten to my questions. Thanks again guys, I really do appreciate your help. PEACE. Darby Williams 
