Need Help Understanding Belts on 86 5.0L C10

[birdyhues]

Hi, all. I need to replace two of the belts on my C1O, and I'm hoping someone here can help me out. I managed to find a diagram of the belt configuration on my truck:

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I need to change the 2nd and 3rd track belts. I think the 4th track belt is fine, but it looks like I need to remove it to replace the two I need to change out. My questions are:

How do I remove it – do I need to remove the fan?
It looks like that belt may need to be replaced, too. Does anyone know what it's called so I can order the right one?

I'm new to auto maintenance, but learning quickly. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Moodyalaskan]

I have an 85 5 Liter and recently replaced all 4 of my belts. There are 2 smaller ones, 1 for the power steering pump below the A/C compressor and 1 for the air pump that is below the alternator. You will need to remove the other 2 in order to replace them. Yes, all the belts will come off around the fan. I believe your engine and mine are the same configuration and this is how I installed mine. Install the one for the power steering first and adjust it, then install the one for the A/C and power steering next and adjust it. Next is the Alt. belt and last is the air pump belt, adjusting both also.

When adjusting belts pull on the component and tighten bolts/nuts so that the belt has about a 1/2 in deflection. Operate the vehicle for a few miles and then go back and adjust them all again as they stretch a small amount. After that they should be fine. Double check the adjustment after a few hundred miles.

Double check with parts store, mine are-

Power steering pump belt NAPA 7405
A/C belt NAPA 7555
Alt. belt Napa 7448
Air pump belt NAPA 7335

If you are replacing 2 belts and can afford it, I would replace all 4. The other 2 are just as old as the really worn ones.

 

[birdyhues]

I have an 85 5 Liter and recently replaced all 4 of my belts. There are 2 smaller ones, 1 for the power steering pump below the A/C compressor and 1 for the air pump that is below the alternator. You will need to remove the other 2 in order to replace them. Yes, all the belts will come off around the fan. I believe your engine and mine are the same configuration and this is how I installed mine. Install the one for the power steering first and adjust it, then install the one for the A/C and power steering next and adjust it. Next is the Alt. belt and last is the air pump belt, adjusting both also.

How do you loosen the belt on the air pump (track 4)?

 

[Moodyalaskan]

If I remember correctly, I got to the rear adjusting bolt/nut for pump from under the vehicle and the one for the front is just below the top side of the pump. The belts kind of hide it from view. Feel around for it and you will find it. You may have to loosen the hinge bolt (far left of pump in your above drawing). Don't take out just loosen it so pump will pivot. Crawl under vehicle with good flashlight and you will be able to see everything.

 

[birdyhues]

Thank you, @Moodyalaskan. With your input, I was able to change out the belts and got it all up and running again. Unfortunately, it still seems to be having some charging issues, but I don't think it's the belts. I think the alternator may need to be replaced.

 

[Moodyalaskan]

Good to hear you are up and running. Don't forget to adjust them as they will stretch enough to be loose. There are plenty of videos on you tube that can help you diagnose the alternator issue. If it was charging before the belt change, check the tension of the alt. belt. From the top and halfway between fan pulley and alt. pully push down on the belt. it should deflect about 1/2". If it is more than that readjust it.