March Performance Serpentine...
March Performance Serpentine Pulley System (Pro-Track 21220-07 with black onyx) looked great in the internet photos and even better when we saw it in person. We were looking for a kit that had an A/C compressor, Gen II PS pump, alternator, and water pump. That way we would not be trying to adapt the March parts to junkyard or aftermarket parts. This was the first time installing a complete March pulley kit and we can say it was easier than we thought it would be.
If you’re like me, adjusting something time and time again is quite bothersome and repetitive. I like to install the part and not have to mess with it again until routine maintenance comes around. For hot rodders that means every six to eight months changing fluids, checking brakes or anything that could leave you stranded on the side of the road. But what if you could cut some of the maintenance by installing a serpentine belt pulley system that required less attention and, in my opinion, looks really good?
New cars and trucks use what is called a serpentine system that either uses a belt tensioner or some sort of mechanical adjustment to tension the belt. The common serpentine belt is usually a five-rib belt that is matched by a five-rib pulley. The system works well because of the increased surface area on the belt and pulley. The older style V-belt systems usually have several belts to do the same actions under the hood and often require frequent adjustment. Oil and water leaks also cause havoc on V-belts and serp belts, but with the added grip from the serpentine belt, belt noises are greatly reduced. The cool thing about this particular kit, aside from its good looks is that it’s all aluminum and greatly reduces the overall engine weight. CT
We used the gasket singe on...
We used the gasket singe on all the water pump gaskets. This stuff not only helps seal the gasket, but it holds the gasket in place when installing the water pump.
We applied thread sealant...
We applied thread sealant to the supplied water pump (3⁄8x3 inches) studs so that water would not get past the threads.
Both left and right March...
Both left and right March water pump brackets were slid on the studs.
The Allen plug would be later...
The Allen plug would be later used to adjust the bracket assembly to the engine.
The water pump, pulley, and...
The water pump, pulley, and heater tube were put on prior to installing the pump. The water pump is a reverse-flow pump, but that is OK because the belt is turning in the opposite direction and makes the water flow in the normal direction.
Before the water pump was...
Before the water pump was installed, we found it easier to put on the power steering pump. A March power steering bracket was installed on the back of the PS pump.
This bracket went behind the...
This bracket went behind the PS pump to space it away from the engine.
We left the pulley off the...
We left the pulley off the PS pump and attached the assembly to the engine.