V-Belt Routing

[Broncowilly]

I know there are some other threads on stopping the squeal of the high output alternator, but my question is if I put a 2 groove pulley on the alternator, would it be ok to route the second belt to the combination of fan, crank and power steering?

 

[DirtDonk]

Yes. Quite a few are doing that.
It reduces a bit of "traction" to the water pump and crank (and therefor the power steering) on that one longer belt, but it's not proven to be enough to cause power steering to lose grip unless there was either a problem with the pump, or perhaps a heavier load.

Are you running an old Thomsen factory pump? Big tires or hard use?

Paul

 

[Broncowilly]

Paul, I am running a WH ps pump with hydraboost, tires are 33's. Normal driving with maybe easy trail periodically. I thought about 3 groove pulley at the crank but wasn't sure if I could get that to work.

 

[DirtDonk]

Sounds good then. I think you will be ok with 2 belts, and in some cases three groove pulleys on the crank do cause some clearance issues.
Usually the fan is kept as close to the engine as possible, to clear the radiator better and get placed in the shroud just right. Adding the longer pulley can get in it's way.

But again, I think with the more powerful pump, and given the generally larger diameter of the pump pulley than the alternator pulley, lack of traction/grip on the pump is not as big a factor as what you're dealing with on the alternator side.

For the few bucks for an alternator pulley and a new belt though, I'd think it worth experimenting with anyway. But several are doing just that and have reported good results. Getting rid of the alternator squeal, and not having any issue with the power steering pump.

Paul
Paul

 

[Broncowilly]

Many thanks

 

[DirtDonk]

When you get it done, pop back in and report the results. Still a lot of people adding bigger alternators. And even adding the power steering after the fact sometimes, like I did.
Easy to add the second belt when you don't have power steering already.
I'm sure people would like to hear how it works for you.

Paul

 

[Broncowilly]

Thanks Paul and will do

 

[bronconut73]

March has a 3 Groove pulley for a small block Ford if you end up needing to go that route

 

[Broncowilly]

Thanks for the heads up. I will check it out.