Belts?

[British Slave]

Ok, got a new bolt for my broken bolt on my 87 small block. I have learned there is a process to tightening belts. On mine, I have two belts to the power steering pump. One a wide (3/4") that goes to the PS pump, crank, and water pump. This belt has to be tightened first. Also have a V belt that goes PS pump, crank, and AC compressor. This has to be tightened second. And I have a 1"serpintine belt that goes to the water pump, alternator, and crank.
Is this the normal setup? The service manual only refers to a single belt power steering. The V belt kinda uses the power steering pump as an idler.

 

[4X4HIGH]

It would help to know what year you're dealing with. GM went from V-belts from the beginning to a "semi-serp" set-up around the mid 80's to a full serp belt set-up starting in 1989 in trucks. I can't remember the configuration on the "Semi-serp" stuff though so I can't answer your question.

 

[K85 Octane]

I want a picture.

 

[British Slave]

It would help to know what year you're dealing with. GM went from V-belts from the beginning to a "semi-serp" set-up around the mid 80's to a full serp belt set-up starting in 1989 in trucks. I can't remember the configuration on the "Semi-serp" stuff though so I can't answer your question.

It's an 87

 

[British Slave]

I want a picture.

Tomorrow, I'm watching Jaws.

 

[British Slave]

Well, survived the Jaws attack, a new cold front with high winds, and the New Year. Here's the pic. One correction to my previous posts, the PS drive belt is a toothed V belt. But in the pic you can see the PS belt needs to be adjusted first, then the AC. I didn't realize the PS pump had moved when working on the AC brackets, and the belt is very loose. Squeals like a stuck pig when I turn.

 

[496truck]

That's the same belt set up I have... err had. It's normal. I no longer have an a/c belt or air pump belt.

Yes, loosen the a/c belt.
Tighten the p/s belt first.
Then tighten the a/c belt.

If you try to do it the other way you will never get the p/s belt tight enough. As you've found out.

The alt belt and air pump belt can be tightened individually of each other without effecting the other one or the other side.

 

[British Slave]

That's how I had to do it. Just wish I had done it that way the first time. Oh well, learn by experience.