Serpentine Belt Clearance

[ptstew]

I am working on installing power steering to my basically stock 302 engine. I am using a Fox Body rebuilt pump, a new stock pulley and a CFR pump bracket. All other front engine components are stock 1991 Mustang. When I install a serpentine belt that I have to struggle to get on and release the tensioner I have only about a 1 cm clearance between the belt running from the tensioner to the power steering pump pulley and where it runs back over the top of the water pump. Is that going to be a rubbing problem at varying engine speeds? If so, any suggestions? Bigger PS pump pulley maybe? is there one that will fit the stock pump?
Thanks, Phil

[Walt]

Hi Phil, would a belt of longer or shorter size change that at all?
Walt

[ptstew]

Hi Phil, would a belt of longer or shorter size change that at all?
Walt

I have an 80” belt on there now and it was a struggle to get it over the lip of the alternator pulley. 80.5” was too big and there was no clearance over the water pump. I couldn't get a 79” belt over the lip of the alternator pump. Maybe I could force a 79.5” belt on which would definitely help. Any suggestions for installing really tight belts over the last pulley lip?

[Just puttering]

Picture please! If an 80" belt is tight how is a 79.5" belt to help the situation? In general see if you can remove a bolt that lets one component move inward to install the belt then install the bolt and release the tentioner?

[CraigS]

I was trying to figure out your alternator position so re read your post. 1cm =10mm right. I think that will be fine. I think yours looks like this right? The red line represents your belt location right?
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49505020793_3e2b8cf0dc_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iqAaXg)stock 302 no AC (https://flic.kr/p/2iqAaXg) by craig stuard (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152454123@N04/), on Flickr
The top right thing which you don't have is an AC compressor. There used to be a kit called something like 'AC delete kit'. It provided a bracket and an idler pulley to replace the compressor pulley. Here ya go; pls verify this will fit your engine.
https://lmr.com/item/LRS-8511A/mustang-50-ac-eliminator-kit-85-93?msclkid=6f283bd731fb160cd87965e99ff7d82f&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=**LP%20-%20Shop%20-%20Motor%20Vehicle%20Parts%20-%20General&utm_term=4584826051537158&utm_content=LRS-8511A%20%7C%20Mustang%20A%2FC%20Delete%20Kit%20(85-93)%205.0%20%7C%20%2459.99

[rich grsc]

I think as the belt stretches and wears you won't have enough clearance. As Craigs suggested, you may have to run the AC delete pulley.

[ptstew]

Thanks, guys. 1cm does = 10mm. Here’s some pictures. If I can get it on, a shorter belt should raise the tensioner pulley creating more clearance over the water pump. I will try loosening the smog pump delete pulley as suggested by Just Puttering. Have looked at the LMR A/C delete but wonder if it only works with a stock P/S bracket which I don’t have. Have also considered the CFR alternator bracket which eliminates the stock tensioner. 122168
122168
122169

[Walt]

I have that bracket and pulley also the belt if you want them,i will pm my information to you.
Walt

[ptstew]

Just to close this out, I was able to walk a 79.5 “ belt over the smog delete pulley while wrench cranking engine. With this belt the clearance over the water pump is improved to about 2cm. As the belt wears, though, it will go down. I went ahead and ordered the CFR alternator bracket to completely put this issue to rest.
Thanks for all the comments.
Phil

[Walt]

Hi Phil, glad your getting it figured out!
Walt

[Richard Oben]

JMHO, move the pump up get rid of the pulley doing nothing, much cleaner. Richard.

[ptstew]

JMHO, move the pump up get rid of the pulley doing nothing, much cleaner. Richard.

I agree on getting rid of the smog pump delete pulley. Installing the CFR alternator bracket will do that. What are you thinking about for moving the PS pump up? A different bracket?

Phil

[ptstew]

Just to close this out, the CFR alternator bracket solved the belt clearance problem and also cleaned up the PS of the engine. Thanks for all the input.
123418

[Walt]

Great, hope we will see you on the road!
Walt