Serpentine belt misaligned-options?

[rickpaw]

I have a 5.3l vortec engine with Holley LS accessory brackets in my 67 Firebird. I went over the engine compartment the other day (after 2k miles since the swap), and notice the serpentine belt does not fully ride on the balancer (see picture). I tried reposition the belt, and the belt jumped out one rib after starting the engine.Looks like the Holley brackets stick out 1/8" too far.

To fix this, I'm thinking either:

A-Remove the Holley spacers (the brackets come with spacers to move the belt out to line up with the truck balancer), and remove 1/8" with a belt sander,

Or,
B-Pull the balancer out 1/8" and install ARP crank bolt. As far as I can tell, the balancer has never been removed.



Advice/thought on this?

[wedged]

You need to check pulley alignment before making any changes. First draw circles on a piece of paper to represent each pulley. Then you need to put a straight edge across the crank pulley and measure to the first peak on the crank pulley and write the number down in the circle that represents the pulley. Then with the straight edge still on the crank pulley, position the straight edge so you can take the same measurement on each of the other pulleys measuring to the first peak on each one and write the number in the appropriate circle. Based on the measurements you can determine what is not aligned.

[rickpaw]

Originally Posted by wedged

You need to check pulley alignment before making any changes.

I've done that. The Holley brackets stick out too far. Now just need to figure out what's the best way to fix it.

[Che70velle]

You only have one option...well, maybe two. You cannot simply slide the balancer out 1/8" and put a bolt in, and call it done. The balancer bolt requires a massive amount of ft. Lbs. of torque while tightening. It will simply pull the balancer back into the timing cover.
You either have to (A) cut the Holley brackets back, or (B) maybe do some research and see if you can find a balancer that has a longer snout, which is doubtful. Either way, the balancer must rest against the crankshaft. The balancer/pulley will move around if it's not seated properly.

[71RS/SS396]

I agree 70, the only option is to modify the spacers. The balancers is torqued to 250 lb/ft and not keyed so if you try to move it out it won't stay there long and you likely spin the balancer and tear up the crank snout. I bought one of these nifty tools http://www.amazon.com/Gates-91006-La.../dp/B000WYFI1A for aligning pulleys and it's worth every penny in the hassle and time saved. You may check with the pars stores to see if they rent it.

[wedged]

Originally Posted by rickpaw

I've done that. The Holley brackets stick out too far. Now just need to figure out what's the best way to fix it.

Ok. That's good. Most people I talk to about belt alignment have not actually measured correctly at first.

[TheJDMan]

Tim,
That looks like a neat tool, how does it work?

[71RS/SS396]

Originally Posted by TheJDMan

Tim,
That looks like a neat tool, how does it work?

Here's a video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9Jd7i_sIwk

[rickpaw]

Originally Posted by 71RS/SS396

I agree 70, the only option is to modify the spacers. The balancers is torqued to 250 lb/ft and not keyed so if you try to move it out it won't stay there long and you likely spin the balancer and tear up the crank snout. I bought one of these nifty tools http://www.amazon.com/Gates-91006-La.../dp/B000WYFI1A for aligning pulleys and it's worth every penny in the hassle and time saved. You may check with the pars stores to see if they rent it.

That is a neat tool.

I'll mod the Holley spacer this weekend, and report back.

[rickpaw]

Update.

All fixed. Removed about 1/8" off the spacers and it's all good.

Thanks for the comments guys.