I need help changing the fanbelt

[SlicksInRain]

I have never changed the fanbelt in my 90 K5 before. First it has a Ram Jet 350 crate engine, not the stock 350. Second the sticker for the layout is long gone and I was thinking since the engine is not the original that the belt might not be the same size as the factory one.

My dad got me a belt for a 90 K5 when he was out last night, but I fear it may not work. Is this correct?

Also where is the tensioner?

Does anyone have a picture of the layout since my sticker is gone? Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Is there a belt on there now?

Is it a serpentine system (i.e. one belt that runs everything) or does it have multiple belts?

 

[lectric80]

If it is serpentine I can tell you how to lay it out by sight, but I need to see your setup. If you can't get us a picture, it may be a bit harder to do.

 

[SlicksInRain]

Yes it is a one belts runs all.

I would take a picture, but it's dark out right now and I don't know if I could get a good pic of it anyway. It's pretty cramped in there.

 

[craigske]

uhm. Take it off and size it? Just a thought.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Take a picture (or make a drawing) of the way the belt is routed now.

There will be 1-3 pulleys that don't power anything, one of them will have either a male hex head on it or a female square hole in it. Use a ratchet to remove the spring pressure from the tensioner and then remove the belt. Install is the opposite, about as easy as it gets.

As for belt length, compare it to the one your dad got. If its not the same, bring it to the auto parts store and they will find one that works.

 

[lectric80]

Also keep in mind that GM belts are designed to drop in from one side or the other. I believe the 350 would be drop in on the passenger side. It would wrap ribs down around the crank, then backside around the water pump. From there it usually goes down around the power steering, then it can vay depending on options like A/C.

 

[SlicksInRain]

Alright just making sure. I didn't think about the A/C.

 

[lectric80]

Do you have A/C, and if so which side of the engine is it mounted on? I ask because I have to remember, but the small blocks I have dealt with went from power steering up around the A/C or alternator, depending on which options. Then it went below the tensioner, around the A/C or alternator, then either around the smog pump, if equipped. From there it returns to the crank. Again this is just on the A/C equipped vehicles, I haven't dealt with the non-A/C versions.

 

[SlicksInRain]

Yes I have A/C and I believe it is operated on the drivers side.

I'll be taking this on later today or tomorrow. I just noticed the tranny is leaking again.