So about 2 weeks ago I pulled the exhaust manifold on my 66 coupe (200cid) and put a new gasket on, since the original was basically destroyed. It sounds quite a bit better, but about a week ago my belts started squealing when i accelerate. I checked the belts, they didn't seem worn or cracked so i treated them with a can of belt conditioner i had in the garage. It helped, but theres still a slight squeak. And today i noticed that on my amperage gauge on the dash, the needle used to be dead center between "D" and "C", but now is about a 1/4" towards "C". Thinking it wasn't putting out the proper voltage, i had the alternator checked at the parts store down the street. according to them its putting out the proper voltage/amperage and my battery is good.

Should i ignore this newfound gauge reading? Chances are I will replace the belts anyway, since i can't remember when i last did it.

Thanks for any advice!

 

If you have a voltmeter, check the voltage to ground with the engine off, then do it again with the engine on and maybe a little above idle - like rev it a bit. The first reading should be between 11.5 and 12.5 volts, the second between 14 and 18 volts. If you got that, you're ok.
Jim

 

But if not, then you need to replace your belts with new ones and tension them correctly. The pulley channels may need a good cleaning as well.

 

ha, found the root of the problem. checked it with the multimeter and the reading was fine, my a/c pulley was locking up and causing the belt to drag. i just picked up a shorter belt and all is well! thanks!

 

Case closed.