1979 F25 318 Belt change?

[wolfe99]

Ok,
I know that this may sound like a dumb question, but I have never worked on older engines before. I am currently in the process of rebuilding my carb, and I thought that I would put new belts on during the down time. What is the best way to change them out. I was looking at them and they are much different then the newer serpentine belts I'm used to seeing. I assume there is now adjusters, so do you loosin what pump and alt?? Thanks guys for all the help. This forum has saved me already lol

[The Dog House]

You need to loosen the alternator. The alternator has a groove in the bracket so you can move it to loosen or tighten the belt



When you're done and you go to tighten the bolt that holds the alternator, be careful not to tighten too much. The alternator housing will crack if you put too much torque on it (don't ask me how I know).

[wolfe99]

Thanks, My engine has two belts, so I assume I do the same on the other side with the water pump.

[larryeddington]

Check the width of the belt. I have noticed on many 318 installed belts the belts do not sit down into the pully properly. These engines used a smaller width belt. They are available but not real easy to get. I could not find any manual that listed belt size, so just measured and trial and error worked.

[wolfe99]

These are the belts I have, they came with the boat when I bought it. If these are right hope it helps people with ordering.

belt2.PNG (141.31 KiB) Viewed 4912 times

belt1.PNG (143.92 KiB) Viewed 4912 times

[larryeddington]

I will check my belt holders, length may be different as there are different ways of mounting the alternator. But just look at them and see if they set all the way into the v of the pulleys. I have noticed a lot are too wide and do not set all the way into the V. If belt is outside the pully notch it is just wasted and may not track correctly. May work but not correct.

In a little bit will go over to shop and check. If you go to a good parts store the number on the belt will give both width and length.

[The Dog House]

The belt on my single belt 318 (above) is a Goodyear Gatorback 15461 in case anyone needs to know.

[larryeddington]

my raw water 318 pumps use a 7465 or a 15465 depending on brands. The belt is 3/8 inch wide and fits perfect into the pulleys. Now my alternator belt is a 15410 which is a 1/16th wider at 7/16 inch wide.