Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I am starting a new thread to talk about a V-belt problem, departing from the discussion was started in the Top Radiator Hose thread.

After installing the water pump back on the engine I trial fitted the new Gates V-belt. It is too long. See photo below. Another photo shows how the incorrect width (too narrow) NAPA belt that I have been using, fits. There are photos of the two belt labels too. I think the generator adjusting strap is too short as the Gates belt is the one recommended by others with my same Clipper and it is the one listed in parts books. There is a photo of the strap showing its approximate length. Does anyone have a longer strap? Thanks, any help appreciated.

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John, I just went out to the garage and measured the strap on my '47 356, it's the same as yours. So, I decided to measure the one on my '53 288, out of curiosity. It's 1" longer than the 356 version, and shaped identically. You might look for one of those.

John, Your generator mounts different from mine. What is the # of the generator? I like the crinkle finish also. Mine is simply semi gloss black. I will take a measurement and possible a photo and get back to you soon.
P.S. John, went out to the garage and measured the bracket which is identical to yours. The difference I noted however is that my generator bolt hole is connected to the bracket by an extension of a short piece of metal. The photos show it best. I tightened the generator belt ( I leave it loose when in winter storage} so that you can see how much room I have left on the bracket slot when tight. I think that you need this short extension piece to allow the generator to drop enough to get the belt taut. I may have a spare which I could send you but not sure.

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Eric, thanks for taking the time and effort to look into this. Your suggestion off of a '53 288 is welcomed.

Dave, I was thinking about an extension bracket, but having it on the engine side. Mounting it on the generator side makes more sense. Please look and see if you have one. If not it would be easy enough to make one.

John, no problemo!

That extension piece looks like something that someone jerry-rigged in there to make it work. (And I admit to being the King of jerry-rigging stuff up!) If you used the later '51 and up version it will at least look like it's correct.

Looking at the engine pictures in the databooks I do not see that bracket extension anywhere.

I do show 3 difference adjusting brackets according to the parts book.

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Here is a clear picture from the 19th-21st series Ignition Training Manual:

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Also according to the PI Engine Judging Guide all 40-58 Generators (Delco and Autolite) are painted semi-gloss black. Only some of the late 30's Twelve's and some of the Owen Dyneto generators have Wrinkle finishes.

I don't care what the PI guide says, that wrinkle finish looks better than the plain black paint. Reminds me of 426 Hemi valve covers! It just looks like it belongs there, and makes me want to do the generator on the Speedster that way.

Wow! Lots of information. Thanks to everyone.

Eric, the one-inch longer strap used on the '53 "288" will not be long enough. I need about twice that extra length. The previous owner also finished the starter body with the crinkle finish. Not authentic, but most attractive.

Dave, there are no identification numbers on the generator id.label. It looks to be a replacement label riveted onto the generator. The starter has a replacement id. label too. I will need an extension longer than the one shown in your photo. Thanks for the offer.

It looks like in order to fit the Gates belt I will need to:

(1) find a shorter belt (I'll see what NAPA/O'Rilley's can do on this),

(2) fabricate a bracket of some type (Kevin I looked at your alternator bracket again, and this seems a better way to go than extending the strap); or

(3) use the incorrect width NAPA belt (it has been on the car and has been working).

I wonder what was changed to make all of this happen? Nothing obvious, but something was changed.

I'll keep you posted here on the solution.