Alouette /Nitro - Yet Another Question

[davet]

Hi Again folks, hang in there with me on these questions... thisis my First Rupp im dealing with new Territory and things ive not seen on my RV's etc...

any way...on to the latest "oddity"...

Yesterday i go to put the drive belt on as i re-assemble...i cant even pass the belt betweenthe Primary Clutch and the Top of the Ski Spindle.... .I had to jack up the fornt of the sled...let the spindle slide out then let it down....

That seems Very Odd, would be a design and engineering short-coming if you have to drop the spindle and ski everytime you change the belt....any comments?? is this "Normal" for a 76 Nitro/Alouette ? or Have I got something wrong some where..

Nothing seems out of line re Engine Position, Primary is Attached OK..

[racingelvis]

hi dave, on a normal situation the belt should go right on but what i am about to say you probly wont want to hear. take a good look at your bulk head. it may be bent up wich would close the gap from the spindle to the clutch. it will be easy to see if your bulk head is bent. look at ware your steering arm goes through if it is bent, that is ware they bend usally. also did you put the spacers back in and the washers that go between your motor and motor plate. if you did not put the washers in that will close the gap also. hope this helps. your sled is looking great. b.s.

[davet]

thanks for the tips Bill , ill take a closer look... i know there are rubber washers and metal ones between the motor plate and the Chassi, not sure about the ones between the Plate and the motor....ill look

this is one of the hazzards of completing a resto started else where, ie not knowing for sure the parts that came off or the order in which it ocured, the motor was already back in the sled....just another aspect of the challenge ...ill get it figured out.

I sure hope the Bulk-head isnt bent !

[davet]

Good News !!....Just the "Washers" missing...the long spacers are there, no washer....anyone tell me how thick these washers are suppoesd to be...i saw one on a pic from Colin but couldnt tell how thick...

i could keep stacking hadware store flat washers until i get clearance, but if anyone can tell me, that would be great.

thanks again for the insight !!

[nitrofa340]

Usually there are 3-4 washers in addition to the aluminum spacer. So you will need 12-16 washers total. There is no "correct" number of washers listed in the chassis parts book, so use whatever works. All washers are installed under the aluminum spacer, and on top of the engine plate. Each washer averages .093 inches thick.

[nitrofa340]

And another thing, dont get too concerned if it turns out your bulkhead is a little "tweaked". Most are. This was a weak design on the '76 models. In '77 the bulkhead was reinforced for added strength.

[davet]

thank you !