Correct belt adjust on 63 with a/c

[rodneybeauchamp]

Have just installed new water pump, new drive belts and fixed broken alternator bolt on 63 with factory air conditioning. 

 

Can anyone advise how you get correct belt tension on the air conditioning and power steering pump drive belts?

 

I don't have access to the gauge that is used that they specify in the workshop manual, so any advice on correct adjustment would be great.

[Jim Cannon]

Press in on the belt with your thumb fairly firmly midway between the pulleys on the top, and measure the depression.  You want about 3/4".

 

Too tight is rough on the bearings in the waterpump, alternator, etc., so loose is better.

 

If the belts don't slip with the A/C and headlights on, then they are tight enough.  If you hear them squealing or chirping, you need to tighten them up.

 

New belts tend to stretch a bit, so start with them tighter and they will loosen with time.