7t5

Is it just me or is it normal for the alternator to block the dipstick for the power steering pump? There is a bolt missing from the PS bracket that allows it to move around. However, even when it is pushed into position the cap is still blocked. Wondering if the belt is too short or some other issue. (Edit: 1975 l48)

Richard Daugird

It's crazy, mine was like that too. I notched it with a cut-off wheel, now I can check my P/S fluid.

JMH

my 72 is the same. Was told by a Corvette specialist that the belt was too LONG. Have yet to test this but it does make sense

mds3013

When you can, properly secure pump with a correct bolt that allows you to move pump through it's adjustment range and see if you can then remove the cap. On my '77 it is tight clearance also. If belt is too long the PS pump pulley will get really close to the frame rail. mike...

There may be differences between my '77 and your '75 of course. For reference if it helps my current belt is a Gates XL 7360. 13/32 wide by 36 5/8". 10mm X 929mm.

4-vettes

on my 77 I am running this belt which puts it in a good position to get the cap off and not hit the frame.

interpon

Put larger belt on ps pump..not too big or it hits a arm bolts...go half inch at a time. At least for 79

sug

I do not think a longer belt will fix 7t5s problem, it looks like the bracket does not move that is in the way of the p s dip stick.

Richard Daugird

The alternator bracket that is in the way, does not move. I had the same problem, so I notched the alternator bracket. I also had a problem with my P/S pulley not lining up with the crank pulley, so I spaced it out from the engine a 1/4", now there's no more belt squeal, and also I can use the dipstick. But now the alternator belt is rubbing the damn P/S pump. I threw up my hands.

HeadsU.P.

Design:
Three C3 engineers walk into a bar. They order three shots, three beers, three tablets and three pencils.
This is what they came up with in three hours.

Richard Daugird

In all fairness, my car was not original when I got it, then this kid I let pull the engine lost a lot of stuff.

LowSporty

Must have been the same 3 guys who put the window crank shaft through the map-pockets! Ha-Ha!

kdf1986

My 1972 has the same power steering dipstick problem. I can take the cap off, I just cant take it out.

kdf

4-vettes

It's simple, with the correct belt it swings out from underneath that Alternator bracket, but not quite so far as to hit the frame. I have no trouble removing my cap. I posted the belt that works for this above.

Eliredandblack

My 73 SB, Manual, AC, PB, is mostly all OEM. I just looked to make sure and the PS Pump bracket has a cast metal bracket has a large chunk/hole take out, so the top dip stick can be removed. Guessing your car had a new pump installed with a different bracket to accommodate new belt/pulley. I will attach a few photos so you can see.

The chunk or hole in the bracket allows for the dip stick to be removed.

4-vettes

I've had my car since dirt was new. all original I assure you. you just need to get the pump out from underneath the Alternator bracket. no notching needed. just the correct belt.
Really guys, it's that simple. listen.

7t5

Thanks for the info. I did a quick search for that belt last night but need to dig in some more.

7t5

Pretty sure mine is stock. The entire rest of the engine compartment is.
Your set up looks different than mine for sure. I will try to get out there for a pic to compare.

Greg

Positively this.
If you're hacking up your brackets to try and correct this problem, look in the mirror. You are Bubba.

7t5

Here are a couple pics from the other side. The bracket is surely stock/original. There seems to be plenty of room for a longer belt but the pic isn't the greatest.

Mod75

After looking at 7t5's set up i checked my 75. Some time in the last 45 years after the Hookers headers rusted out i went to the factory side pipes and just got some center dump exhaust manifolds at our local bone yard. My Alternator mounts to the exhaust manifold only and my only problems are the alternator hitting the valve cover or the belt riding on the power steering unit.
So i am going with that i don't have the stock 75 manifolds any more since i have lots of room to measure the power steering fluid.