M belt change

[Alex Hart]

Hi y'all, quick question: I am in the process of converting the '47 M to 12v alternator. Only problem is, the old belt was severly dry rotted and about to break, so i'm putting a new belt on. My question is, is there an easier way to change the belt without pulling the radiator off? I know it may sound dumb but that's the only way I can see it as of now. Thanks!

[oldfarmkid]

Guessing your asking about the old water pump belt? Any of the belts you should be able to move over the fan one blade at a time. Then, after you've gotten the entire belt off the front of the fan. Just enough room between front of fan and back of radiator to remove belt and pull it out. New belt, same process, just backwards. Just be patient and don't try to manhandle things.

Good Luck

Tim

[Gary Dotson]

Make sure your pulley adjustment sheave is well lubed and free to turn. Once the sheave is fully opened, the belt will easily come off the lower pulley. It's all about patience, from there.

[MiCarl]

I just did belts on my H and I suspect the M is quite similar.

I was also doing the thermostat so I had the radiator drained, top hose off and the upper radiator support disconnected. I found the radiator tilted enough to give me plenty of room ahead of the fan.

[Gary Dotson]

I did an H a few months back and I didn't have to involve the radiator in any way. The M is just a little bigger version of the H.

[oldfarmkid]

Have a 1952 Super M and 1940 H. Used same same belt procedure for both. But some times you have to do what works for you.