Serpentine set up

[EGLITOM]

I built a serpentine belt setup for my 331 to drive waterpump and accessories.

THis is how it looks like. The red line shows how the belt will run. It fits great. Even with my most forward engine position it still clears the firewall by 1/2". The short reverse waterpump helped to achieve this.

I fabricated idle pulleys out of 7075 because i couldn´t find what i needed. The idle pulley on the alternator side is a fixed mounted one.
The one above the AC compressor is mounted on a modified ford automatic tensioning unit.
The part no of this unit is F 87 E 6B209 BB.

In order to find the correct length i need to know the correct pretension adjustment of this automatic tensioner. the red arrow in the top picture above you show the direction of tensioning.
on the tensioner it self there are 4 marks on the housing and one arrow on the movable part.

my question is now how to set it up correctly. the picture shows the position without any tension on it. My assumption is that the middle one of the 3 left hand side housing marks shows the correct tension, the one to the left of it the max tension position and the one to the right of it the minimum tension position.
Is this correct?
Ford specialists please help, couldn´t find any information on the net.

Thanks

TOM

 

[Jim Cowden]

Most auto tensioners
Mark furthest away(most tension for new belt)
Between 2nd 3rd is a guide to tell you the belt is stretched.


Jim

 

[EGLITOM]

THanks Jim

makes sense, will measure belt accordingly

TOM

 

[Seymour Snerd]

...In order to find the correct length i need to know the correct pretension adjustment of this automatic tensioner. my question is now how to set it up correctly. the picture shows the position without any tension on it.

Tom --

Just a thought: get one of these,

Krikit II Micro-V® (V-Ribbed) Belt Tension Gauge - Merchandising & Sales Aids | Gates Corporation

for about $20 (in the US, anyway) and knowing (somehow) the tension spec for the belt set the automatic tensioner to achieve that tension. I suspect Gates could tell you the correct tension given the belt part number. If you want the tension tester and can't get it in Germany let me know and I'll procure it for you.

BTW, may I ask what make/model water pump are you using?

Thanks,

Alan

 

[EGLITOM]

Thanks Alan

good idea.

I´ve been told waterpump is a reverse running with a EXPLORER type timing cover.

probably very similar to this

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-8501-A50/

here are two more detailed pics of that area, hope they help.

TOM

 

[Jim]

About a serpentine belt system. Too bad you are not closer to the U.S.A. Ford Explorers use the very system you need. They can be had at wrecking yards for cheap. New parts are available from Fordracig.com

Ranger Jim​

 

[Jim]

Sorry, that was fordracingparts.com Ranger Jim

 

[Dave]

Here's a pic of a serp system i made up for my coupe. I made the alt bracket so you could slide the alternator out and tension the belt. Never had any problems.