belt tension/deflection

Hello all, i have a 66 cj5/V6 that has been converted to ps.
My question is much tension/deflection should i use on the ps belt, i am using an early gm pump.
I have been told that to much tension will wear the bearing/seals.

Thanks

 

Well, you've sorta answered your own question. You want it as loose as possible to do the job without slipping.

How much power a belt drive can transmit depends on a few factors such as the condition of the sheaves (pulleys) and the distance between the sheaves which is not the same from one rig to another.

The general rule of thumb that you often see in a manual is "a half inch of deflection". This is a pretty rough guide but it will get you started. Push on the belt at the longest span with a "reasonable" amount of force and you're looking for about a half inch of deflection. If the belt slips it may not be tight enough. If you keep making it tighter and tighter but it still slips then there's another problem such as the sheaves are worn, the belt is bad, or the belt driven accessory is not turning like it should.

HTH

 

Exactly like AKCJ says.

 

Thx, 1/2 inch.
Now lets see if i can get it started after a year