The Ford Barn

Shadetree · 09-21-2012, 10:08 PM

I bought my alternator from Mac's and installed it yesterday. The instructions were only for wiring and checking the alternator, nothing on the installation.

1. The `slingshot' bracket can be mounted two ways. Mount it wrong and the pulley won't align with the water pump pulleys. I had a 50-50 chance of getting it right, I got it wrong. Getting both belts tight is a real pistol especially with a fan assembly you can't tilt without losing the grease from it. Not one of Ford's better ideas.

2. My new fan belt was too short, which the literature said it may be. I called Mac's support for a belt length, no help there at all. I have never had much luck with their tech support. Trial and error taught me it takes a two inch longer belt. The original belt size was 54". A 58" is too long, a 56" worked. Three trips to town and I had it right.

Anyway I finished it up last evening and it works!

mtflat · 09-21-2012, 10:18 PM

Don't make your belts too tight. Henry's guideline of 3/4" to 1" deflection will keep the bearings in your waterpumps. Too tight and you'll get to replace them.....

Shadetree · 09-22-2012, 10:53 AM

Thanks MT. I do remember that from the old days. It is difficult to get them tight by yourself, you need three hands..

mtflat · 09-22-2012, 09:01 PM

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I did that one time - and haven't done it since : )

09-21-2012, 10:08 PM	#1
Shadetree Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cottageville, WV Posts: 1,535	I Installed My Alternator On The `51 F1 Yesterday I bought my alternator from Mac's and installed it yesterday. The instructions were only for wiring and checking the alternator, nothing on the installation. 1. The `slingshot' bracket can be mounted two ways. Mount it wrong and the pulley won't align with the water pump pulleys. I had a 50-50 chance of getting it right, I got it wrong. Getting both belts tight is a real pistol especially with a fan assembly you can't tilt without losing the grease from it. Not one of Ford's better ideas. 2. My new fan belt was too short, which the literature said it may be. I called Mac's support for a belt length, no help there at all. I have never had much luck with their tech support. Trial and error taught me it takes a two inch longer belt. The original belt size was 54". A 58" is too long, a 56" worked. Three trips to town and I had it right. Anyway I finished it up last evening and it works! __________________ Son, you will never blow an engine up in high gear.

09-21-2012, 10:18 PM	#2
mtflat Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kalispell Montana Posts: 344	Re: I Installed My Alternator On The `51 F1 Yesterday Don't make your belts too tight. Henry's guideline of 3/4" to 1" deflection will keep the bearings in your waterpumps. Too tight and you'll get to replace them.....

09-22-2012, 10:53 AM	#3
Shadetree Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cottageville, WV Posts: 1,535	Re: I Installed My Alternator On The `51 F1 Yesterday Thanks MT. I do remember that from the old days. It is difficult to get them tight by yourself, you need three hands.. __________________ Son, you will never blow an engine up in high gear.

09-22-2012, 09:01 PM	#4
mtflat Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kalispell Montana Posts: 344	Re: I Installed My Alternator On The `51 F1 Yesterday Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I did that one time - and haven't done it since : )