So, I took a serpentine belt system off of a 89 350, and put it on a 87 that was not a serpentine belt system. I would think they were identical
(meaning the location of the crank pulley to the water pump pulley). I am wondering if the water pump may have its pulley system in a slightly different location??? they sure look the exact same. anyway, the 89 the belt came off easily. they were close, but not this close! I can get the belt on, but I have to turn the water pump pulley while threading the belt between them. Any thoughts??

 

I hope I'm mistaken , I really do .....

BUT , I thought you have to use a different water pump when switching from V belt to serpintine ? Something about the pump being a different rotation , so maybe they played with the length a bit to keep one from being mistaken for the other ? Did you use the pump from the 89 ?

Like I said , I hope I'm wrong , but something about different pumps sounds awfully familiar ???

 

Serp pump IS reverse rotation. Not sure whether the shaft is in a different position in relation to the crank.

 

I got a new one and asked for a 89. So it should be the serpentine one. Also your right, the other one was a little different. Had a spot for the radiator hose cuz it was without tuned port.

 

???

Looks perfectly fine to me.

No, the water pump bolt pattern on the block is the same on ALL SBC blocks; at least, all the ones from 1955 to 2000.

???

What are you seeing that you think is a "problem"? What are you expecting?

 

I was just wondering if they were too close, I had to really squeeze that belt between the two pulleys. I am new at playing with motors and just didn't know if that was bad that they were that close. everything seems to be OK. Thanks for you comment of thinking its alright, that makes me feel better. I am going to roll with it then. stuff this in the car and see if I did it right??? cross fingers

 

Sometimes that's the best way to handle it...

Although, it's better to ask and find out it's OK, than to assume that it is, and then have something wrong.

 

Yes I agree. It's been fun working on the motor, never done it before, so I've been asking allot of questions. Third gen has been so awesome for some one who wants to learn. Lots of knowledge on here. Thanks again!! I really appreciate it

 

So... Is there a way I can tell which way the water pump should turn? I would like to check which way it should turn to make sure oreilleys gave me the right one. I asked for one for a 1989. But I want to make sure I'm pumping coolant.

 

Only way is to take the cover off the back and look at the impeller.

 

OK, thanks sofa, I do appreciate all the thought and help. I am going to go with the notion that they gave me the right one. Thanks again!!

 

If you bought a water pump for a 1989 then it's a reverse rotation, unless the parts guy was a total goof

 

yeah i think it is, ive done some digging and the reason the pulleys have different bolt patterns is so they dont get mixed up. so if the serpintine pulley fits the pump its a reverse, if it doesnt, its the v belt and required the v belt pulley. Thanks again for all the help! its nice to have so many people who know alot about these cars!

thanks guys!!

Ken