66 427/390 with PS

[John B.]

Hello all, i have a 66 with a 427/390. I rebuilt the PS pump, cleaned and painted the bracket as well as my alternator bracket. After i put them back on and adjusted the pump, i am unable to remove the PS cap to check my fluid. I looked over my AIM and all brackets look to be in the correct position. Does anyone have some good pictures of this area on their car? Or does anyone have suggestions on what i might have done wrong?

Thanks

Mike

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 427/390 with PS

Hello all, i have a 66 with a 427/390. I rebuilt the PS pump, cleaned and painted the bracket as well as my alternator bracket. After i put them back on and adjusted the pump, i am unable to remove the PS cap to check my fluid. I looked over my AIM and all brackets look to be in the correct position. Does anyone have some good pictures of this area on their car? Or does anyone have suggestions on what i might have done wrong?

Thanks

Mike

Mike-----

I suspect that your problem relates to using an incorrect length belt (waterpump-dampner-ps/pump). The original belt, GM #3878244, was 3/8" X 45". The use of an incorrect length belt will position the pump too far rearward or forward and create the problem you are experiencing.

On my 1969, the cap is a little tricky to remove but no real problem. The pulleys and brackets for 1969 are the same as 1966 except that the brace which mounts to the waterpump stud (and overlies the power steering pump cap) is a little different. For 1966 the brace was GM #3878239 and for 1969 GM #3955180. These two braces are very similar but it's possible that this also has something to do with it (and, perhaps why GM changed the brace for 1969 and later).

The 1969 belt was GM #3940992 and was 15/32" X 43-1/2".

A photo, as best as I could get, of my 1969 installation is shown below:

DSCN4352.jpg

[John B.]

Re: 66 427/390 with PS

Joe,
Thanks for the reply. That does make sense. I thought i was being good and buying the original belt by Quanta. I will measure the belt tomorrow. Much appreciated.

Mike