belt question

[superdave1984]

I am still gathering parts for my swap. Since my truck has no A/C or power steering, what serp belt do I need? My engine is from an 85 Mercury Marquis with all power accessories. Or do I need to pull the serp pulleys off and go V-belt?

 

[triumphrider-1]

Maybe one of the local parts stores can get you one based on length desired, not sure though.

 

[wade]

Here's what I started with:


I am using the FEAD off of a '90 Lincoln MK VII. I didn't need/want the A/C or the Thermactor (Air or Smog) Pump (what ever you want to call it!). So here's what I did.

Proform makes an "Air Pump Idler Bracket", and it comes with a 4-1/4" idler pulley.



Minor problem - Major expense!



I needed the 5" idler. Sooo... ...off to NAPA...



Now, this works fine, but it was an expensive proposition!
+$91.34 for the Proform Idler Bracket (at Auto Zone), and
+$30.44 for the 5" Idler Pulley (at NAPA)
$121.78 just to get the Air Pump Idler right. AND STILL USE THE "STOCK BELT SIZE".

Note: If anyone out there knows of a less expensive way to do this properly - I repeat "do this properly", please post it.
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The A/C Compressor Bypass Pulley, on the other hand, was a perfect match and fit for my application. It is made by Motormite and I paid $36.74 for it at Auto Zone.


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This FEAD setup operates very quietly. I'm satisfied with it overall - once I got over the cost of the Air Pump Idler Bracket.
I highly recommend keeping the serpentine belt arrangement, but don't know quite what to suggest to you for the Power Steering, except to play with various belt lengths until you get one that fits right. I've played that game, too. It can be frustrating - trips back and forth to the Parts Store until you get it right. Just make sure that your favorite Counterman is aware of what you are doing, so he doesn't get exasperated with you when you walk in for the fourth time to say, "This one doesn't fit -- either!"
If your Marquis FEAD is similar to my Lincoln FEAD, (look back up at my 1st pic) it looks like you'd have plenty of clearance to come straight down to the crank pulley from an "A/C Compressor Bypass Pulley", then play the belt length game. You might even be able to eliminate the Power Steering Pump Bracket. Not that it weighs alot, but it would give you some extra oil filter relocation room for hoses.
Personally, I might be tempted to go to Pick-N-Pull and get a Power Steering Gearbox. Best to ya' !

 

[superdave1984]

I guess the main thing is being sure the alternator and water pump turn the right direction.

 

[Iron Ranger]

I heard that you take a piece of wire, wrap it around the pulley assembly tightly, measure the length, then take your measurement and subtract an inch from it for tension pulley flex.

Then go to the auto store and find a belt that length.

 

[alaskan155]

this for a mustang, but the routing could be used on similer setups just Measure for your belt size

 

[wade]

...Since my truck has no A/C or power steering... ...??

Will you still be retaining the Air Pump? If so, consider this:



Replace the A/C Compressor with an idler, completely eliminate the P/S Pump (and perhaps the P/S Pump mounting bracket), and get a belt with a "shorter stroke". This is kinda' what I was getting at in Post #3.

Or, do the 70.5" Belt as per Alaskan's previous post - eliminate the Air Pump, too. You'd still need to use the A/C Compressor Bypass Pulley.

Which brings me to my next question -- the intended use of this truck?? On the farm? Running the 1/4 mile? Daily Driver? Does it need to pass inspection? So on, and so forth.

 

[superdave1984]

We don't have emissions testing here in Tennessee. It will be a daily driver. Eventually it will be my son's truck. I would like to eliminate the smog pump and just have the alternator. But it looks like that will be difficult since the water pump turns the opposite direction of the alternator.