gen/water pump/fan belt

[30-9]

Hi Guys

I'm not 100% certain, but, I believe my 39 has a later model (EAB) engine.

Is there any difference in size of the fan belt - Original 39 engine to later model EAB?

Also NAPA size/number it you have.

[G.M.]

First you need to determine if it is a 39 engine or not.
Here is a picture of my 39 40 years ago when I installed
it, still running good. G.M.

[30-9]

GM thanks that's a beaut!- However, I've been through this many times. The only real way of telling is if I could look at the top of the bell housing, which I can't.

My heads say 59AB, so lets assume its a 59ab. Even though that's not a good indication. Can anyone tell me the size. Does anyone have size / part number for NAPA?

I would still be curious if the size is any different between the two engines.

[tubman]

We have to be certain about your engine before we can help. What makes you think it's an "EAB"? Even though you can't read what's on top of the bellhousing with the engine in the car, you should be able to see if it has an extended bell or not. Look down at the side of the rear of the engine; are the bolts holding it together within an inch or so of the back of the engine or are they back 3 or 4 inches? Does it have an unconventional looking distributor in the middle of the front of the engine or a more regular looking one at the front of the right head?

And yes there is a difference in fan belts between the "EAB" and the earlier engines. The "EAB" uses two narrow belts, unless it has been converted to truck pumps, in which case it will one wide belt.

[19Fordy]

Do this:
https://www.bearingboys.co.uk/Fan-Belt-Calculator-22-a

Or use a piece of rope wrapped around both polleys. EAB engines used 2 narrow belts. If you have an EAB engine in a 39 Ford, it has probably been converted using 2 wide belts. One that goes around the generator, 2 truck water pumps and crank pulley and another separate belt for the fan pulley and crank pulley. It would look similar to this 8BA set up in a 40. The numbers shown on these belts were selected to fit this custom set up only.

[30-9]

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I can only see one bolt holding it together, so I assume they are far apart. I cant see any thing an inch or so..,,this is layin on flr updriver side and looking at back of engine on driver side. I can't see any bolts on pass side.

I have a helmet distro but there is a disk the size of half dollar in between the distro and cam. Heads say 59ab. Currently there is only one belt - fan, gen and water pumps. Car heater hose hole is in the heather hose not the pump

[19Fordy]

Please post a photo of what you have. I am confused as to what engine you are talking about. Tubman gave you the best info. Sounds like you do not have an EAB engine as they came in 1953 Fords.

[flatheadmurre]

The normal widebelts take a B52 belt if you have a real big pulley on the generator use B53

[Russ/40]

You need to do the pencil test. The shoulder immediately at the top of the front cover will support a pencil even without the cover, if it is the correct block.

[30-9]

Russ I assume your talking about behind the distributor?

If yes there’s not enough there to hold a pencil

[G.M.]

You can get your fingers down on the bell housing and the 59 is large enough to feel. I have done this before. G.M.

[V8 Bob]

Originally Posted by flatheadmurre

The normal widebelts take a B52 belt if you have a real big pulley on the generator use B53

The "B" series belts are industrial, not automotive, and can fail prematurely like mine did, likely due to the small pulley diameter of the alternator. A much better choice is the NAPA "22" series or Gates "TR green stripe". I've switched from a solid 55" B-52 to a notched NAPA 22-545 or Gates TR 22-545 green stripe, both 55.08".

The very helpful link below was posted from john in Illinois in a thread I started back on 1/22/19 on belt failure, and should be beneficial here also.



http://vaglinks.com/Docs/Catalogues/...Size_Lists.pdf

[flatheadmurre]

Just go for a BX-52 and you get the notches.
Original was solid if you want the looks...
And agree there´s a minimum pulley diameter for any beltsize....problem is when you bend a belt the angle of the sides changes...that´s why different sizes of pulleys have different angles.

[30-9]

thanks gents


I just purchased a powermaster 6volt alt. I assume BX52 is right.


Would like to learn more about the pencil test....never hesrd of that

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by 30-9

Would like to learn more about the pencil test....never hesrd of that

It is just a casting change in the way the block was made. Earlier engine blocks had a ledge cast into the block just behind and at the top edge of the front cover, a ledge that you can place a pencil on, "pencil test". The casting was changed which reduced this ledge where it would not allow a pencil to rest in that area.

"All prewar, 1932 through 1942, V8 blocks will pass what is known as the pencil test. The front of the block above the timing cover has a little shelf that makes the top of the timing cover face in the block. If you can rest a pencil on the block at this location, you have a prewar block. Make sure you are not resting the pencil on the timing cover itself."

[30-9]

JS thanks so much. Your message & pic solved the puzzle. There is no way a pencil will stay on mine, so I have a later model block. I assume, while not original to car, that is a good thing, with a little more power.

I always thought that was the case..now confirmed.