The Ford Barn

JBD · 01-12-2018, 03:42 PM

Building a 53 merc flathead for a old style hot rod and down to the finishing touches. Of course you know the 53 mercs had two narrow (3/8") belts. I would like to run a single belt, an electric fan, 12v alternator and 8ba water pumps. The 8ba water pumps line up correctly for a single belt but have a wider belt pulley than the merc pulleys and my alternator. I would like to run a single 3/8" narrow belt. Three questions. First, can I get or change out the 8ba water pump pulleys for the narrow pulley and the 3/8" belt? Second, is the 3/8" belt strong enough to pull both water pumps and the 80-100 amp alternator? Third, any recommendations on the type of alternator and type of mounting bracket for the alternator? Thanks, Jim

01-12-2018, 03:42 PM	#1
JBD Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Arp, Texas Posts: 123	53 Mercury water pumps Building a 53 merc flathead for a old style hot rod and down to the finishing touches. Of course you know the 53 mercs had two narrow (3/8") belts. I would like to run a single belt, an electric fan, 12v alternator and 8ba water pumps. The 8ba water pumps line up correctly for a single belt but have a wider belt pulley than the merc pulleys and my alternator. I would like to run a single 3/8" narrow belt. Three questions. First, can I get or change out the 8ba water pump pulleys for the narrow pulley and the 3/8" belt? Second, is the 3/8" belt strong enough to pull both water pumps and the 80-100 amp alternator? Third, any recommendations on the type of alternator and type of mounting bracket for the alternator? Thanks, Jim