The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Need help finding parts. '71 Chev C90 w/Detroit

Hello and thanks for reading my post.
I recently came across a 1971 Chevy C90 with a Detroit diesel, 5 speed tranny and a 3 speed rear. The previous owner was ready to sell it to the scrap man because it had one problem. On this particular truck, what appears to be a water pump to the uninformed is a belt idler assembly. It bolts to the front of the block, has a belt pulley and also has the radiator fan bolted to this. This assembly came apart and went through the radiator. After checking the Chevy dealership and the Detroit regional warehouse, I'm finding out this has long been discontinued. According to the Detroit dealer, the last used part number was 796097. This idler assembly seems to be very elusive as a new part. I will also need the pulley and the radiator fan. Before I hit the bone yards, can anybody point me to the right direction? I normally don't have a problem with used parts, but after seeing the destruction that this did, it will be my last resort. (The radiator hits the shop tomorrow. I'm sure having that re-cored will have me seeing sticker shock) I have no problem using a second hand pulley or fan, however. Thanks and sorry for being long-winded.

is the housing and pulley salvageable? You may be able to just replace the bearings, that's usually what let's go.

The bearings were obviously bad for quite some time as it chewed up the housing and the bearings won't fit tight. When the whole assembly moved forward, it flopped around on the housing and broke the pulley. The fan is also chewed up from hitting the radiator, but I suppose about any fan that size can be substituted. So I guess what I'm saying is that the housing needs to be replaced.

Hy ChevC90, could you tell us if this is a 4-53, or a 6V-53?

Yea, I guess that really would help my cause. Probably the most important detail and I didn't post it. Sorry about that.
It's an inline 6-71.

ChevC90, call Leids Diesel Service in PA, 717-776-7725 and talk to Timothy. They are the Detroit Diesel gurus and if they can't help you know one can. Grigg might be along to shed some more light on your problem too, he has dealt with this shop for years. They are the best. They have helped him out with his Detroit Diesel projects and have also worked on mine and John Millimans 6-71s.
Good Luck.

Yep, Call Timothy and see if he has any used fan hubs, I bet he does.
If you're concerned about used parts you could replace the bearings.

Grigg

Sounds like you got some good advice. Glad to see that you have saved the truck. Don't forget to show us some pictures of it when you get a chance.

Bill

These photos are a few days old. The radiator is out and the fan hub assembly is off the engine. First time using this photo site. I hope it works....


http://chevyphotos.shutterfly.com/pictures/15

Sheet Metal looks real good.

Bill