Pulley Alignment Issue

Wbulk · #1 (**permalink**) 06-19-2009, 05:33 PM

I need some help with a pulley alignment issue. I have a 71 302 I just finished building. When I bought it, it did not have any pulleys on it. I bought a set of chrome single v-belt pulleys but they don't line up. The crank damper pulley is about 3/8 back from the WP pulley.

I found that the three bolt damper I have came off a 1968 302 by the casting numbers. Was this one shorter than the 71 motor that I have? Do I have to buy another damper?

I checked new water pumps at the parts store. The late 60s and 70s have the same height measurment to the shaft mounting flange. The water outlet is what changed, so the issue seems to be with the crank damper pulley.

Any help would be appreciated.

Wayne

bobcowan · #2 (**permalink**) 06-19-2009, 08:01 PM

I had a similar issue with a 302 I built a few years ago. Go to Summit Racing and do a searchy on "Pulley Spacer". You should be able to find one that moves the crank pulley out far enough to work for you.

Wbulk · #3 (**permalink**) 06-19-2009, 09:18 PM

Good information ! I checked it out but they don't have the right one for a three bolt. I guess I will have to change the damper. Thanks.

vettestr · #4 (**permalink**) 06-20-2009, 08:08 AM

I do not know my SBF engine generations like I do my Chebbies but the basics are the same. On the production years in this mix the pulley bolt pattern and depth are variables. What about the timing mark location or its balance as these are externally balanced.

I had to look up if there was many options early to late production and found the 3 bolt is a critter different from the 4 bolt all together. Here is a link to Jegs showing 3 or 4 bolt and 28 or 50 OZ. but all the same OD. http://www.jegs.com/p/JEGS/JEGS-Perf...38152/10002/-1 and http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/51660/10002/-1#

Wbulk · #5 (**permalink**) 06-21-2009, 07:53 AM

You are right. I have been through that issue. I have a 28 oz. imbalance damper. After a lot of research I found that there were two length 28 oz. dampers and two length of the water pumps. 69 and prior were the shorter pumps. I was wrong in my earlier entry about the pump length and must have measured from the wrong point. I read they are about a 1/4", .280 different. And then they had the three bolt vs. four bolt issues that changed over for the most part in 1970 with a few exceptions. Then they changed over to the 50 oz. damper in 1980.

Mine was a little more odd. I had a 1968 damper with a 71 longer water pump, to have the water outlet on the drivers side. I did have to redo the timing marks on my damper. I wanted the single pulley set up so I didn't have empty pulleys. It seems these were only used on some 60s cars. I was able to find two companies that had the width I needed. Canton Racing and Speedway Motors.

In the end it all worked out for the better. I could use the single pulleys, have my pump on the left side, and I only needed a 3/8" (.375) spacer.

Thanks for the help, it got me in the right direction.
Wayne

bobcowan · #6 (**permalink**) 06-21-2009, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wbulk

Good information ! I checked it out but they don't have the right one for a three bolt. I guess I will have to change the damper. Thanks.

It's just a spacer. Drill new holes.

C1Pulleys · #7 (**permalink**) 12-14-2010, 12:10 PM

If you decide to go the custom built route, I'm sure that we have something that will suit your needs. Drop me a line if you still have questions and we can chat.

ConceptOne Pulleys
Cumming, GA
American Made, American Owned
Pulley Systems

Caprimaniac · #8 (**permalink**) 12-18-2010, 04:41 AM

Isn't the spacers just tubular steel pieces to fit between pulley and damper? (That was what came with my new damper.)

I usually make my own by cuttting steel tubes to correct lengths.

RS

Rick Parker · #9 (**permalink**) 12-31-2010, 10:01 PM

If the lower pulley lines up with the alternator (?) can you move the threaded disc that the W/P pulley attaches to. IE: move it on the shaft with a press or gear puller before mounting the pump?

Wbulk · #10 (**permalink**) 01-01-2011, 08:13 AM

Rick, this was an old post from 09. I ended up buying a spacer for the crank pulley that was within about .030 or so. The problem was I was using a left hand water pump from a mid 70s 302, an older style three bolt damper, and old mid sixties single groove pulleys. I used a Kirhham alternator mount that they cut the spacers to my specs. This whole pulley alignment issues on some Fords from year to year is not a pleasant experience.

Your suggestion is a good idea that I never though of. I will keep that one in mind.

Wayne

Rick Parker · #11 (**permalink**) 01-01-2011, 10:01 AM

Sorry, it was late and I didn't notice the date, thought it was still a current issue.

patrickt · #12 (**permalink**) 01-01-2011, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Parker

Sorry, it was late and I didn't notice the date, thought it was still a current issue.

Well, Rick that's pretty sad.

But, as luck would have it, I actually sell custom FE pulley alignment tools for $10 a piece. For an extra $2 I'll even emboss your name on the tool. Here's a shot of me using one on my FE pulleys:

tcrist · #13 (**permalink**) 01-01-2011, 10:59 AM

Look!!!, an alignment tool & calculator all in one. Just don't calculate too much.