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1984 A/C belt specs (Page 1/1) |
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rickiep00h
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AUG 12, 12:24 PM
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This is just a knowledge question. I searched and I don't think the topic has come up and since internet searching is basically broken nowadays I can't seem to find an answer that way, either.
I'm finally getting around to tackling the A/C system on my 1984 base. When I originally started work on the car, the alternator had seized from sitting for so many years, and so on the first startup it burnt right through the alternator belt. In order to change that, I simply cut off the A/C belt to get to it, knowing that I'd be swapping the A/C belt at some point too. Now "some point" has come.
When I ordered a new belt ages ago, as part of another Rock Auto purchase, I noticed there were two different sizes listed for the '84: 37" and 45.5". Not bothering to measure, I just guessed 37", and I guessed wrong. So obviously I assume I need the 45.5". My question here is how would you know in the first place? Did some '84s have serpentine belts with the A/C accessory belt by itself instead of the two v-belts?
Thanks!
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82-T/A [At Work]
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AUG 12, 02:50 PM
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quote | Originally posted by rickiep00h:
This is just a knowledge question. I searched and I don't think the topic has come up and since internet searching is basically broken nowadays I can't seem to find an answer that way, either.
I'm finally getting around to tackling the A/C system on my 1984 base. When I originally started work on the car, the alternator had seized from sitting for so many years, and so on the first startup it burnt right through the alternator belt. In order to change that, I simply cut off the A/C belt to get to it, knowing that I'd be swapping the A/C belt at some point too. Now "some point" has come.
When I ordered a new belt ages ago, as part of another Rock Auto purchase, I noticed there were two different sizes listed for the '84: 37" and 45.5". Not bothering to measure, I just guessed 37", and I guessed wrong. So obviously I assume I need the 45.5". My question here is how would you know in the first place? Did some '84s have serpentine belts with the A/C accessory belt by itself instead of the two v-belts?
Thanks! |
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Rock Auto does this sometimes... and it's often because the parts supplier bases it on the motor itself, and not the application of the specific motor in the car. It can be really confusing. But no, the 84 Fiero as far as I know, had a belt for the alternator/waterpump/crank, and another belt just for the A/C compressor. That's because the compressor provides way too much load on the engine for a traditional V-belt, and it would for sure slip.
Also, if you haven't already bought a new alternator, you can upgrade and go with the MUCH newer alternator that was in the 1988 model year. Check out this video of my daughter upgrading her 1985 Fiero 2m4 SE with all the newer accessories (upgraded A/C compressor, serpentine belt system, C130S alternator, lightweight starter, etc.). There's a lot of good info in here.
All that said, I don't recommend upgrading to a serpentine system since there's a lot of things you'll need to work out. If you just want to get it running, and need to buy new accessories anyway... I'd recommend getting the same alternator and starter as she did.
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rickiep00h
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AUG 13, 01:01 AM
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The car already running in general, I changed the alternator a couple years ago. It's just been a very slowly progressing project as I live in the city and don't have adequate garage space of my own, and a lot of other necessary stuff came before the A/C.
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Riney
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AUG 13, 04:01 PM
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The 1984 had two different set ups for belts.
The set up 82-TA described - a belt for the alternator/waterpump/crank, and another belt just for the A/C compressor. This set-up has a larger diameter pulley on the crank running the alternator/waterpump/crank belt with a smaller diameter pulley running the 4.9" diameter pulley a/c compressor and a single groove pulley on the water pump. I currently have this set up on my 84 base model and will attempt to upload a picture, but will be chaning it to the set up with two belts running the water pump.
The 1984 model year also had a a belt for the alternator/waterpump/crank, and another belt for the A/C compressor / waterpump / crank. On this set up both crank pulleys are the same diameter and the a/c compressor uses a 5.7" diameter pulley and a double groove pulley on the water pump. The 84 Indy that i have has this set up.
I don't know if changes were made during the model year run for these two different set ups. I just know that the engines came out from Pontiac with these two differences.
Let me know what set up you have and I can check and see what belt you need.
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Riney
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AUG 13, 04:03 PM
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Stingray92
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AUG 13, 06:32 PM
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Just posting this as this is the side view of my motor. I believe the longer one went to the alternator.
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rickiep00h
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AUG 14, 01:37 PM
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Okay yeah, I have the double water pump pulley version.
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82-T/A [At Work]
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AUG 14, 02:06 PM
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quote | Originally posted by rickiep00h:
Okay yeah, I have the double water pump pulley version. |
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That's so weird! I wonder how / when that became a thing? I had a 1984 Fiero 2m4 SE, and while it had two belts... it was one for crank / alternator / waterpump, and one for the crank and A/C compressor.
Kind of interested to know... who here has an 84 or an 85 and in what occasion did the car come with the double water pump configuration?
My daughter's 85 Iron Duke had only a single-pulley on the water pump.
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rickiep00h
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AUG 14, 04:12 PM
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Also, just a heads up, I did get the 45.5in belt and it popped right on, and spins just fine.
Now I have to figure out what OTHER parts of the A/C aren't working. Because the system sure isn't!
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