Joined: Tue Jan 15 2008, 06:14PM
Location: Alto, New Mexico
Posts: 43
I am finishing up my 440 engine small details after much help from this group in getting it started but have run into an unexpected problem (For past history---See Unable to start a rebuilt 440, under performance tech)
After about a week of running, timing, adjusting, etc the dual fan belts (It has AC) cut a hole in the underside of the new upper hose at the bend with very steamy consequences. Does anyone have a photo of the correct installation in an AC car so I can check the normal expected clearance between the hose and the belt against mine. I thought that it was too close but couldn't get it to widen out and I am wondering if I did something wrong as I never saw the alternator brackets assembled when I bought the car. (Lots of parts were in the trunk and my parts car was non-AC)
I thought about getting longer belts to move the alternator down lower and increase the clearance or get a longer upper hose. Was there a normal belt/hose clearance issue on AC equipped 440's with the R2V compressor?
Also, the fan clutch doesn't seem to be acting right. It spins lazily regardless of engine RPM and freewheels to a stop when you shut the engine down. It seems too easy to spin when you do it by hand. Is that behavior normal or should I replace it? I also have seen spacers listed on Ebay that simply do away with the thermal clutch. Has anyone done that since the car is a pleasure car and gas mileage can't change that much surely.
Any advice and a picture would be helpful. Thanks in advance. Bernard
Try this hose from Rock Auto--it has a hump in it to clear everything (see pic). Also, your fan clutch is toast, but don't use a spacer, just get a heavy duty THERMAL clutch- it works way better with than without.
There is a chance you've got the alternator triangle shaped bracketry backwards, and hence your alternator sits too high.
Your alternator belts should be quite tight. Too loose and they'll flap.
Note that dual belts that aren't matched properly will be impossible to tighten up to reduce belt flap in the long stretch between the alternator and the compressor, and that the flapping belt will possibly hit the underside of the hose.
Here is a pic of my alternator setup... note though, that my adjusting strap is on backwards - the slider should be on the alternator side rather than the block end like on the last of Krautmaster's photos.
Joined: Thu May 05 2011, 01:57PM
Location: Chelsea, Mi. USA
Posts: 122
1st, I'd replace your fan clutch. From your description it sounds like it's trashed. 2ndly, I'd find an idler pulley later model like the serpentine belts of today and fab the mount to make it work. All you need is the pulley and NOT the spring loaded mount, a chunk of 3/16" thick steal to fab the mount and bolt long enough to go through the steal+pulley,+ completely through a nylock nut. If you really get lucky you might find a 440 that started life in a Jensen laying in a bone yard somewhere. Every Jensen ever built with a 440 installed had and idler pulley between the alternator and the compressor. Never could figure out why Mother never incorporated it into all the RB engines in those years
Joined: Tue Jan 15 2008, 06:14PM
Location: Alto, New Mexico
Posts: 43
Once Again--Many Thanks to everyone. I have already ordered the special upper hose and a fan clutch but I would also like to try the idler pulley fit suggested by Krautmaster. If anyone has info on the exact parts needed please let me know, or if anyone has added this part a close up picture from that side of the engine would help. Will keep in touch.
Joined: Thu May 05 2011, 01:57PM
Location: Chelsea, Mi. USA
Posts: 122
addendum to my first post about the Jensen 440s having the idler pulley 'tween the alternator and compressor and I bad mouthed Mother Mopar for not doing it. She did and I just found out. NOT THE 440 but in the 400 they all have it! Sorry 'bout that, Jer
Question about Ross's comment on which end of the alternator adjustment bracket goes where...
This is how mine came back from the restoration shop:
Are you saying this is backwards or correct? The bolt to the block won't fit through the fixed holes, so as assumed it was right but now you have me questioning!
I believe that it is NOT correct, but I am not sure. I was told so... and that there are a number of pics showing the slider end at the alternator.
In regards to the bolt being too big, make sure that the piece is bolted to the correct bolt... as I am not near my car, I can't tell you which that is, but the correct one will fit through.