So I am probably going to stress the motor a bit tomorrow…
I noticed last week that I was getting fan belt squeal, hence I got a new alternator vee belt… tonight I went to install it…
My other old cars had the swing bolt on the bottom and the slide bolt on top. I could lean hard on the alternator and have easy access to the on top bolt to nip it up.
My Windsor 351 block however, swings from the top and slides from the bottom… so the bottom bolt is hard to reach… short extension fouls the radiator, the socket kinda doesn’t clear the pulley so I need two hands, one to push the socket on as I apply a force with the other arm, but then I can’t twist the alternator… there is no easy purchase to twist on it the way it is oriented even if I had four arms…
Is there a real simple trick for doing this solo I can’t work out? I am tired!
I tighten the fan belt on my 69 351w by carefully using a bar inserted between block and alternator to push/pivot alternator so belt is tight with one hand. Then the bolt gets tightened with the other. Honestly don’t remember if I use box wrench or socket with short extension to tighten bolt. Either way it’s no big deal. Used this method for years-just be careful with what and where you pry to tighten. Use finesse instead of brute force.
Ford made tightening the alternator belt very easy if you lie on your back under the car. You use a crescent wrench on the alternator and a 9/16” wrench on the adjuster bolt. Loosen the 5/8” main bolt first, then tighten it after adjusting.
Put the hook around the alternator and use a 1/2 inch bar to connect, pull the alternator till the belt is tight, and with the other hand tighten the alternator bolts. Same principle as Mr 580 suggested. Most automotive parts stores used to carry these, but I haven’t seen them in a long time. The Lisle website doesn’t show it listed anymore.