Fan belt install clearance straight 8?

[JP75]

Hi my question is about the fan belt install clearance between the harmonic balancer and the top of the front motor mount on a 1953 Pontiac 8. Is the belt supposed to freely slip between the harmonic balancer or is it supposed to be a tight squeeze? I put my old belt back on and i had to force the belt between the two.  It was no more then a tough push by hand but seems wrong.  If it is supposed to slip freely is there supposed to be flat washer between the harmonic balancer and the front engine mount to gain some more room? There was not washers when I removed the engine and had never taken the belt off before.

 

Thanks for your help.

[Guest]

Your front mount is obviously squashed down.  The belt should slip in very easily.  You could use a washer to bring the engine back up but you don't want to lift it too much.