'63 L-76 pulleys

[Steve D.]

Earlier in the week, I made a post regarding damper selection . Having decided on the 8”, I started looking at the pulleys. My water pump pulley (3770245) is right for L-76 according to the AIM. The crank pulley (3744043) is not correct, should be 3766987 per the AIM. There was no idler pulley present when I disassembled the engine. The GM catalog has the crank and water pump pulleys, but not the idler pulley. It does, however, have a fan belt (9433722) for use with the above listed pulleys, with this description: " this special "captured" fan belt eliminates the need for an idler pulley..." . Is this belt operationally a good thing, or is the idler set-up preferred (dis-regarding judging conderations). Also, how is proper tension set with the “captured” belt?

Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: '63 L-76 pulleys

Steve-----

The GM #3766987 pulley was discontinued in August, 1964 and replaced by GM #3858533 which remains available.

I prefer the use of an idler pulley set-up rather than a captured-type belt system.

You "adjust the tension" on a captured belt by having the EXACTLY correct length belt.

[Steve D.]

Re: '63 L-76 pulleys

Joe

In that case, is there a source for the idler pulley?

Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: '63 L-76 pulleys

Steve-----

Yes, they are available in reproduction from sources like Dr. Rebuild, Paragon, Corvette Central, etc.

[Steve D.]

Re: '63 L-76 pulleys

Thank you. I should have known to look there.

Steve