1966 Bonneville Crankshaft Pulley

[GrandpaDave]

Just joined today and this website is great. I do have a question - I took the radiator out of my Bonneville to have it recored and decided to install new belts. I cannot get the belts off the crankshaft pulley because there is only about 1/16" (if that) clearance between the bottom of the pulley and the frame cross member. My son in law thinks the motor mounts have sagged or compressed over time, not sure if this is possible I will change them if that is the problem but wanted to ask for some opinions before I do. I appreciate any help from folks that are much more knowledgeable than me.

[Larry]

Sometimes I can't get my own belt off because of stomach sag over the years!

Seriously.... it does in fact happen. It is probable that even when new they were a tight fit. In the past I have just put a flat piece of wood on the oil pan and gently jacked it up just a hair. Kust enough to slip the belts out.

Might be a good indication that new mounts are in the future. If there are a number of miles, in addition to the age, it would be good to replace them before you hear that great big bang when you hit the gas one day and the motor hops up and then falls back down. Ripped mounts have been known to do other damage too, including pulling a car into gear when not wanted if the engine is goosed (Chevys were most noted for this cute trick years ago).

[GrandpaDave]

Thanks for the info Larry. We did try a floor jack under the crankshaft housing and it just lifted the entire car. I'm no expert but I think that indicates the mounts are still intact, just sagging. I have ordered new mounts, it will take about a week to get them here in Canada but hope that resolves the problem. Will let you know.
Thanks again for your input
Dave

[GrandpaDave]

Thanks for the info Larry. We did try a floor jack under the crankshaft housing and it just lifted the entire car. I'm no expert but I think that indicates the mounts are still intact, just sagging. I have ordered new mounts, it will take about a week to get them here in Canada but hope that resolves the problem. Will let you know.
Thanks again for your input
Dave

[GrandpaDave]

Thanks for the help. I replaced the motor mounts and ended up with 1-1/4" clearance between the pulley and the frame (much better than the 1/16" I had before). Your help is greatly appreciated.