If this ends up a double post, then please disregard. I tried to attach photos, but it said my file was too big. There is a clearance problem with my power steering/fan belt (I am replacing because the last one broke). It runs VERY close to the water pump pully. Should this belt go on the outside groove of the fan pully...rather than on the inside groove? I think the previous owner put it on the inside pully groove of the fan pully...using a Gates 9505 belt...based on how clean and smooth it is compared to the outside groove. The Gates 7500 that Carquest shows is the correct one is narrower and would fit in the outside pully groove of the fan pully. Please help. 1976 AC, Dodge 440.
My 1978 440 fan belt runs around the crank, fan, power steering. I switched my PS pulley to a double so I could run belts on both grooves.
JerryT
JerryT: I read about the double pully set-up, but it still seems that the inner belt would be perilously close to the water pump pully...less than 1/8" so any deflection on the power steering belt would rub against the water pump pully. I wish I could post a picture, but I can't get the file size small enough. I'll try the picture by itself.
On mine the fan is the water pump. One set of belts run the ALT and the A/C via the crank pulley, the other set runs the fan/water pump and the PS via the crank pulley. The inner belt is not close to the water pump pulley, it is running ON the water pump pulley. The 76 440 may be run differently or your's has had some parts changed. Many people over the years have had a power steering belt issue and have tried to correct it many different ways. I think Chrysler added an idler pulley later on. The other work around that many Clipper owners did and was successful at was the second belt. Set your camera to take your pics low res and they should post.
JerryT
Decided to take the AC to my local shop. They can straighten out the belts. Also, having them replace the upper and lower rad hoses, check out the charging system in general, and take a look at the starter (it turns pretty slow). Just want to be ready for May!
I usually find that my Clipper is older than the person working on it (except me :D)
Remember the words of Ronald Reagan---Trust But Verify---
Take the time and make sure it was done right.
The more research I do the easier my repairs are and I only have to do them once.
JerryT
What a guy-----What a guy!!!!!
I hear ya JerryT...but obviously my set up had been "dinked with". No one here or elsewhere could give me info about the "original" belt setup. I am more of a mechanic, air-cooled VW and Porsche, than a motorhomer, but this has still been frustrating to figure out. Maybe that's the crux of my dilemma...why not an air-cooled motorhome? So many fewer belts and so much less to go wrong!
My mechanic is an old hot-rod guy, working on his share of 440's, who has had his own shop for over 40 years...so I trust his solution. I am not an over-the-road, long haul, user...just need to get my AC to my lot and back every year...about 300 miles total.
Just don't want the agrivation of breaking down on such a short trip....I had enough of that with my '68 VW Squareback (fuel injection of that vintage was a bitch!).
Sounds like your in good hands :) So hard to find any old boys still wrenching around here, they hate the new stuff and not enough old stuff left on the road for them to make a living. I play with old Mopars and old Volvo's, the kind you can fix with a "rock and a stick" Now that I am older I would rather not fix stuff, just drive it. I think these are the "good ole days" right now, I"ll let you know in about 30 years :D
JerryT
Jerry, I am with you!!!!
I just want to drive my 71 Chevelle SS
I enjoy the looks when I drive down the road.
I know every nut and bolt of this car. I just hope since I have rebuilt this car with new! quarter pannels and fenders and door skins New motor and new trans---I don't have to do it again!!!
Just listening to the thunder that erups from the headers is a turn on!!
John
(Just listening to the thunder that erups from the headers is a turn on!!)
You keep talking like that and you might get banned here ::)
Are you ready for Christmas yet? I still need to go shopping.
JerryT
Yup Jerry, we are ready ...We bought our homein Oregon and will be moving there in March.. That be our Christmas Presant
and My wifes annaversary -gift- I told her that since she put up with me for 30 yrs I bought her the house...
"But " I get the garage!!!!
John :)
But, is the garage bigger? If not, why so? :D
JerryT
JerryT....I see in your byline "50 inch tall cabover bed"...what is that and if it is what I think, how did you do it?
Here is a link to that post.
http://americanclipperownersclub.com/techforum/index.php?topic=1372.0
JerryT
WOW, that is cool. I have been thinking about the same thing but hadn't come up with the right "cover". I was looking for an old square fiberglass rooftop luggage carrier...to use one-half for the pop.
Would it even be possible to add an escape hatch...enough of a "flat" area? I have kids (my daughter and i use the cab bunk, as wife and son are claustrophobic (sp?)) and would worry about not having one.
How did you fasten and seal the perimeter? Other than removing the framing, was there any additional framing added at the perimeter?
Thanks,
Great Job!
Thanks!
On page 2 about 2/3 down for the sealant. I added some 1xs and a custom 2x6 on each side. This mod was easy, and is very strong. We love the bunk now, takes all the claustrophobic-ness away for us. I thought about the escape hatch and here is what I come up with.
1 I wanted to be able to leave the vent open without rain coming in so I opted for a powered vent instead.
2 Standing in the new bunk the escape hatch would be very high on your body (hard to get out)
3 Once (if) you got out it is all down hill i.e. not safe.
4 Most rigs don't even have escape hatches.
5 Do you want to be on the roof of a burning motorhome?
6 We have a smoke detector that will give us time to get out the cab doors or back door.
7 My rig did not come with the back ladder but has a full rear window awning.
8 And I save the best for last, those escape hatches are poor quality so I was happy to be done with it!
The bunk is a whole new part of the Clipper like a new room that you would spend time in and not for just sleeping. It was my way of making our Clipper bigger without making it bigger. The Clipper is built lower to the ground than most class C's. I am still under 12' and the storage pod behind it is a bit lower. Also they look good up there as a pair, better than one alone. I also enjoy having the new shelf in the bedroom, something that I always though was missing. Extra storage is always a plus. It's our favorite mod so far and was cheaper than a new/bigger rig. Sleeping is great with the extra room and the new vent, easier to stay comfy heat/cool wise.The extra room also allows for a thicker premium mattress for that GOOD nights sleep! When asked about it I show it to people and they all say the same thing, they wish they had that much headroom. Ask any and all questions, I have more pics of the work and progress.
JerryT
Thanks so much. I think that there is a real possiblity that I will do this...so I definately will have more questions...Happy Holidays!!
Your welcome, you have a great holiday also.
JerryT