post ps conversion chaos

[neinnein_nein]

Just added power steering to a 84 carbed 2.0 that didn’t have it before and it’s gonna be awesome.. once the truck starts, but for now this :

the engine cranks ultra slowly when I turn the key, complete slow motion grinding halt, obviously doesn’t turn over. It’s not the battery, the starter is new, all ignition parts are new plugs properly gapped, there’s no vacuum leaks and gas delivery is good. The new drive belt I installed for the new ps pump is a bit loose (much more than 1/8-1/4 play from pulley to pulley) and I have no idea how to make it tighter. Manual says to lift the alternator until it’s tight and then tighten the bolt, is that really the best way? I don’t feel like it’s giving me a particular good grip when I have to kneel over the engine bay to prop that thing up with a ratchet between my teeth..

can a lose belt cause the starter motor to not crank efficiently?
It’s tricky because genius that I am decided to add this whole new power steering system and the problems that come with it at a moment when I was trying to make sure the carb was well adjusted for colder temps. Now my poor truck is stranded in a staples parking lot waiting for me to come up with a plan..

 

[Josh B]

I've tightened up alternators with a pry bar before, dang man, you're in a tight there

 

[Josh B]

Your starter doesn't rely on a belt there sir

 

[Uncle Gump]

That is typically the only way to adjust a V belt system. Some can be tricky. One of the components should be moveable (pivots). Loosen the pivot bolt and the adjusting bolt(s)… use a pry bar to pivot the component and tighten the bolts when the proper belt tension is achieved.

How did the truck crank before you added a power steering pump? If it cranked normal... you should look at the components you added for power steering. First thing I would do is remove the belt and try to crank it. If it cranks normal again... chances are the power steering pump has excessive drag. If that doesn't pan out... you will have to go back to starting system 101. Battery... cables... starter. Just remember any resistance in the starting system will reduce current flow to the starter and cause a slow or no crank scenario.

 

[neinnein_nein]

The new ps pump “worked” for a few hours once I installed it, leaking at the pulley shaft terribly and it was ultra loud, louder than the whining they’re supposed to be known for, so I’m pretty sure it is junk but it hadn’t occurred to me to try and crank the engine without it. It was cranking totally fine before that cursed pump. I’ll try without the belt.

 

[BlackBII]

If the pump is really hard to turn because it's failed internally, that could potentially cause the starter to struggle when turning the engine over, provided the belt isn't just slipping by that point.

Good idea trying it without the belt.

The belt should have about 1/4" of deflection on a 10" span (in both directions, so 1/2" total), so it doesn't have to be completely taut. A prybar underneath the alternator prying up should do the trick, that's how I used to do my 2.3 serpentine Ranger that had no spring tensioner.

 

[Uncle Gump]

What BlackBII said...

It wouldn't be the first time I've seen a steering pump cause this condition.

 

[bobbywalter]

probably a bad connection on the battery or starter.


clean it all up and make sure its all snugulated....

 

[neinnein_nein]

Wow just came back from an intense physical struggle with the beast—the verdict is you were all right: the pump was crap, changed it, swapped reservoir, flushed and bled, used a crow bar prop up alternator (actually bought a crowbar just for this, have been waiting my whole life for a reason to get one, highlight of my day), pump and pa run perfect, massive upgrade from none. The no start thing was a mixture of corroded battery terminals, loose belt that probably cause alternator not to work 100% and like bobbywalter said, bad connection on starter. I’ll spare you the details but that thing was a bitch to drop and rebolt. I had to drop it because I was working in a staples parking lot without a jack and the Load cable coming from relay snapped off and there was no way of getting the stupid snapped screw out otherwise. But now it cranks fast and good as it should. Cold starts still a bit tricky, I have to figure out that choke adjustment before it becomes a real serious intense PITA but once she starts she purrs and idles super smooth, now with bonus subtle pump whine to enrich the sound.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Glad she is back up and running...

 

[RobbieD]

Double congrats- on getting the truck running, and on scoring a crowbar!

 

[bobbywalter]

woo hoo....new toolz.

 

[Dirtman]

A man should never buy a crowbar. A crowbar must be bestowed upon a man by the universe. When the universe feels you are ready; you will find one in a ditch, a junkyard, the side of the road, or by fighting off a burglar.

Return that crowbar at once and wait like the rest of us or you risk upsetting the cosmic balance.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I bought myself a 4 foot long big yellow Fat Max beast of a bar several years ago... it was a door buster deal and was cheap. I needed it!

Damn thing is still brand new... haven't found a need for it yet. Just thinking about it just makes me want to the garage and ruin something with it.

 

[Dirtman]

All my pry, crow, wrecking, shale etc bars have been found in various unusual places over the years. The last huge cats claw bar I got was just randomly sitting on the back of a fire truck...