The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Alternator pulley question

I am just about to assemble a 216. i want to make it 12 volts and use an alternator. This means i need to make sure all the pulleys are the same width. Can I use a 235 harmonic balancer or is there an option to use a different pulley on the alternator?

I am sure this is a simple fix, just one I haven't heard of yet.

Wait to see if someone corrects this information.

What width fan belt do you need?

If it is 3/8", you could use any 1953 and later Chevrolet 235/261 6-cylinder 3/8" harmonic balancer.

Earlier 235 balancers would use the same fan belt width as your 216 (about 1/2" to 5/8"?).

Also, I think same car balancer/pulley diameters were smaller/different than on a truck. This would probably not be a problem for your truck/alternator.

The old balancer is 1/2". So is the water pump. I have another pump with a 3/8 and can make the change easily.

Generator and alternator pulleys are interchangeable, just get a half inch generator pulley---GM, Ford, or Chrysler and use it. Sometimes the pulley needs a spacer and sometimes the alternator shaft doesn't stick through far enough for a lock washer so just clean good and use a dab of red Loctite. Use the alternator fan and don't use Loctite until final assembly. The nut can be heated to remove at a later date.

Jim Carter has the 1/2 inch pulleys to fit on you're alt.



Pete

Thanks everyone,

I will ask an electrical question next in the electrical forum. Need to decide if the change to 12 volts is worth the effort.

Any starter/alternator rebuilding shop should have an alternator pulley in stock to fit your current belt.

That's where I found mine also, for my 55.2 235. Wasn't very expensive either, if I remember correctly.