Raidiator hose gap
 

Reinstalling my 29 Tudor radiator today, ran into a situation that has me stumped. When fan belt is tight, I have less than a 1/4” space between the return radiator hose and the belt. When generator is pushed all the way in and touching block I still only have at most 1/2”. So no much room for shorter belt.
I’ve added a shim at the ft motor mount but that did not have much effect. I have 1/8” pads under radiator.
Questioning hose angle but still unable to get safe spacing. I did replace my engine mounts with new. http://https://imgur.com/a/qJQ70KC

Re: Raidiator hose gap
 

Re: Raidiator hose gap
 

You could try the H bracket used for alternators. See https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...6002&cat=41710

Or make something similar. Or modify the H bracket for the larger bolt used for the generator.

Re: Raidiator hose gap
 

Do you have the correct water return pipe? See the link to Vince's site.
https://www.fordgarage.com/pages/waterpipes.htm

Re: Raidiator hose gap
 

This may be the answer. Seems likely that the first top pipe for 28 may offer a solution. The pipe that I’m using was on the car when I tore down. However the radiator sat on thicker pads and engine was on an after market front mount.
https://i.imgur.com/WCbAc3C.jpg

Re: Raidiator hose gap
 

If I remember correctly, the belt is 44 inches long, you may want to do some measuring and don't over tighten the belt tension, 1/2 to 1 inch play will save your generator and water pump bearings!

Re: Raidiator hose gap
 

This is what I was first thinking I might try. But since it didn’t have it when I tore it down I figured, why would I need it now.

Re: Raidiator hose gap
 

What changed? Different generator? Different front engine mount or installed differently (does hand crank line up?)? Different radiator or pads? Different fan belt? Different generator mounting bolt? Different front cover where generator mounts?

If nothing is different maybe it was that way originally and it just didn't get noticed.

Look at some other cars to see what is different with yours.

Re: Raidiator hose gap
 

A shorter belt is all it took. 41” belt provided the clearance I was looking for. However the shop I got belt from only had it in a 1/2” width. I hope this won’t present a different issue.

Re: Raidiator hose gap
 

The grainger 5L430 fits my car. Some engines use a 44. I believe I put it on by removing and reinstalling the pulley.

Re: Raidiator hose gap
 

It at least gives you time to grab the right width belt sometime.
BTW, I had this issue years ago . The belt was wearing away the hose just behind the radiator outlet so I put a small piece of aluminium under the hose clamp to protect it.

Re: Raidiator hose gap
 

Should be 5/8. Synchro has it right. It will give you time to find the right belt. The 1/2 inch belt will slip as it does not fit the pulleys. Search "V belt" on google or try one from one of the suppliers.