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BUSY BOLTERS Are you one?  The Shop Area
continues to pull in the most views on the Stovebolt. In August alone there were over 22,000 views in those 13 forums.
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| | | Forums66 Topics126,777 Posts1,039,270 Members48,100 | | Most Online2,175
Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 863 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 863 | Just installed new self-exciting 60 amp alternator and Gates belt yesterday. Question I have is how far from the block should the alternator sit. I used a Gates TR 20426 belt 5/8" wide x 43" long. After adjusting the belt tension the body of the alternator sits about 1/2 inch from the block and 1 1/2 inches form the exhaust manifold. Is this too close? Do I need a longer belt? Maybe a 45" long belt?
Tim
"Pay attention to the details! It ALWAYS pays off."
1949 Chevrolet 3100 Series 1/2 ton Pickup
1964 Chevrolet C10 (Ol' Yella) (SOLD)
1958 Chevrolet Biscayne 2 door (SOLD)
1970 VW Beetle
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 230 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 230 | Many years back, I recall that some alternators had their brackets mounted to a special spot right on the cast iron exhaust manifold ! I would rule that an inch and one half is plenty of room to disapate that heat. I would not worry about the heat from the block either. My opinion, but some may disagree. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 | The biggest concern would be the wire from the Alternator to the battery. Most Alternators can be indexed. So clear the wire and route away from heat would be more important than the Alternator itself. The alternator only get hot when under a big load. How often do you expect to need those 60 amps? Running A.C.? Big sound system? Alternator has a "fan" often the pulley to cool the internals. Air flow matters, swamp heat is only an issue if the air can't flow. Fixing a melted un-fused wire sucks.
Steve H
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 4,263 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 4,263 | | | | | | Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 | Nice picture from Dads50 on the indexing of the Alternator. Thanks! The wire needs to be away from heat.
Steve H
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