Serpentine Belt

This procedure addresses a non-existent serpentine belt system on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 327ci V8, which uses individual V-belts for accessories, not a serpentine belt.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Alternator/generator V-belt × 1 — Use OEM specification for 1966 Corvette 327
• Power steering pump V-belt × 1 — Use OEM specification for 1966 Corvette 327
• Water pump/fan V-belt × 1 — Use OEM specification for 1966 Corvette 327
• Air conditioning compressor V-belt (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification for 1966 Corvette 327

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement
4. Inspect all pulleys for damage, excessive wear, or misalignment before installing new belts

Procedure

1. 1

   Document belt routing and inspect pulleys
   Before removing any belts, document the routing of each V-belt around its respective pulleys. The 1966 Corvette 327 typically has 2-3 individual V-belts depending on accessories: a primary belt driving the water pump/fan and the alternator/generator from the crankshaft, plus a separate belt for the power steering pump if equipped. If equipped with factory air conditioning, there will be an additional belt for the compressor. Verify the actual factory belt routing for this specific vehicle before disassembly. If equipped with factory air conditioning, there will be an additional belt for the compressor. Inspect all pulley surfaces for wear, damage, or debris.
2. 2

   Remove outer accessory belt (alternator/generator)
   Locate the alternator or generator adjustment bracket. Loosen the pivot bolt at the base of the alternator/generator but do not remove it. Loosen the adjustment bolt on the adjustment bracket to release belt tension. Push the alternator/generator toward the engine block to create slack in the belt. Remove the belt from all pulleys.
3. 3

   Remove power steering pump belt (if equipped)
   If equipped with power steering, locate the power steering pump adjustment bracket. Loosen the pivot bolt at the base of the pump. Loosen the adjustment bolt on the bracket to release tension. Push the pump toward the engine to create slack and remove the belt from the pulleys.
4. 4

   Remove air conditioning compressor belt (if equipped)
   If equipped with factory air conditioning, loosen the compressor mounting and adjustment bolts. Push the compressor toward the engine to release belt tension and remove the belt. Note the routing as A/C compressor belt paths can vary by installation.
5. 5

   Remove water pump/fan belt
   The innermost belt drives the water pump and fan from the crankshaft pulley. This belt typically has no adjustment mechanism and relies on proper belt length for tension. Carefully work the belt off the crankshaft pulley, then the water pump pulley. This may require rotating the engine slightly by hand using a wrench on the crankshaft bolt; always rotate the engine clockwise (normal direction of rotation, viewed from the front) to avoid loosening the right-hand-thread crankshaft bolt.
6. 6

   Install new water pump/fan belt
   Route the new water pump/fan belt over the crankshaft pulley first, then stretch it over the water pump pulley. Ensure the belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves. The belt should have approximately 1/2 inch of deflection when pressed firmly at the midpoint between pulleys.
7. 7

   Install air conditioning compressor belt (if equipped)
   If equipped, route the new A/C compressor belt around the appropriate pulleys following your documented routing. Position the compressor and tighten the adjustment bolt to achieve proper tension: approximately 1/2 inch deflection at the longest belt span when pressed with firm thumb pressure. Tighten the pivot bolt, then recheck tension and tighten the adjustment bolt.
8. 8

   Install power steering pump belt (if equipped)
   Route the new power steering belt around the crankshaft pulley and power steering pump pulley. Pull the pump away from the engine using the adjustment bolt until the belt has approximately 1/2 inch deflection at the longest span between pulleys. Tighten the adjustment bolt, then tighten the pivot bolt. Recheck tension after tightening the pivot bolt.
9. 9

   Install alternator/generator belt
   Route the new alternator or generator belt around all pulleys in the documented path. Pull the alternator/generator away from the engine using the adjustment bolt until proper tension is achieved: approximately 1/2 inch deflection at the longest belt span. Tighten the adjustment bolt to hold position, then tighten the pivot bolt. Recheck tension and adjust if necessary.
10. 10

    Verify belt tension on all belts
    Press firmly on each belt at its longest span between pulleys. Proper tension allows approximately 1/2 inch of deflection. If using a belt tension gauge, set tension per the belt manufacturer's specification for the belt width; for this vehicle the deflection method (approximately 1/2 inch at the longest span) is the practical field standard. Adjust any belts that are too loose or too tight.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable
2. Double-check that all adjustment and pivot bolts are properly tightened
3. Ensure no tools or parts are left in the engine compartment

Verification

• Start the engine and observe all belts for proper tracking in the pulley grooves with no unusual noise or vibration
• Allow the engine to run for 2-3 minutes, then shut off and recheck belt tension as new belts may seat and require retensioning
• Verify proper operation of all belt-driven accessories: alternator/generator charging, power steering assist, and air conditioning compressor engagement if equipped
• Inspect for any belt squeal or slippage during initial test drive, particularly during acceleration and when turning the steering wheel

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