'67 POWER STEERING PUMP BELT GUARD

[Rob A.]

The pump I had rebuilt came back with a "U" shaped bracket bolted on the back. Was this only installed on small block cars with air?

[Mike M.]

Re: '67 POWER STEERING PUMP BELT GUARD

my 67 400 hp c-60 had the ps belt guard. mike

[Rob A.]

Re: '67 POWER STEERING PUMP BELT GUARD

Maybe both small and big blocks with air use it, or maybe all rebuilt pumps have it put on. I have a 400 HP(no air) and I don't think it belongs on my pump?

[Joe L.]

Re: '67 POWER STEERING PUMP BELT GUARD

Rob-----

For 1965-67 the belt guard was SUPPOSED to have been installed for all AC-equipped applications, big block or small block. However, I think that it's possible that some non-AC cars got the guard during this period.

For the 1968-69 period, all L-79, L-46, and L-71 engine applications were supposed to get the guard irrespective of A/C (A/C wasn't even offered with L-71) and the guard was no longer connected, at all, with the A/C option. Once again, I think that it's possible that some other engine applications got it, too. St. Louis might have found it more convenient just to install the guards on all pumps. Begiining in 1967, of course, the p/s pumps for any given year were the same for ALL engine applications.

For 1970 through early 1977, the guards were SUPPOSED to have been used for ALL 350 cid engine applications, regardless of HP or A/C. Once again, I wouldn't be surprised if some or all big block applications received them, too.

In actuality I don't understand why the guards were ever used for big block applications, especially those without A/C. The configuration of the belts and pullies in the big block configuration, especially the non-A/C configuration, didn't really allow any belts to come close enough to the pump body to have any potential, at all, for contact. So, the guard was really superfluous. In any event, I think that for a variety of reasons, St. Louis may just have installed the guards, anyway. GM seemed to be "confused" on the need for this guard throughout the 65-77 period. After early 1977 they "settled it" by discontinuing the use of the guard in PRODUCTION, altogether.

By the way, the guards were NOT all the same. For 1965-66, GM #3860458 was used. For 1967-E1977, GM #3890478 was used. The latter part became the SERVICE replacement for the 3860458 when it was discontinued in October, 1967. What's the difference between them? I don't know, but I'll bet that there IS a difference.

Also, the guards were never supplied on GM SERVICE p/s pumps. I don't think that they are or were generally supplied on aftermarket, commercially rebuilt pumps, either. The guards were used in PRODUCTION only for some 1965 passenger cars with 409, most 1964-67 Chevy II with V-8, 66-67 Chevelle with small block, and, of course, Corvettes.

[Rob A.]

Re: '67 POWER STEERING PUMP BELT GUARD

Since I have it, I'll put in on, and if it's judged as "incorrect" I'll remove it, Thanks

[Mark L.]

Re: '67 POWER STEERING PUMP BELT GUARD

Rob,
Good question. My 67 435 has the guard and I believe I was the first person to take the pump off the car. I was wondering about it as some sources indicate it was for the 327 AC cars only. I plan to leave it on the car as I believe it is original especially after reading Mike's response.