Is it possible it get enough tension for a single belt? Figuring out a bracket for a Power steering pump and bracket for my 235 Thanks
I'd say it's as much wrap as it is tension. Too much tension eats up the bearings, hence all the idlers on today's serpentine setups- you get all the wrap you need, and one spring-loaded tensioner to keep the whole deal snug.
I have run a single belt on my 37 Buick straight eight for over 30 years with no problem and it has an a/c compressor where you have a p/s pump. The compressor puts way more drag on a belt than does the pump. I was concerned by just 45* of belt wrap on the water pump so I put an electric fan on it those many years ago with the idea that since a fan is a bigger draw than the pump I could do away with the fan blade if needed. It was a baseless worry and I haven't had the fan on from the day it was installed. The Buick looks just like a 235 with two less cylinders.
That is an awesome setup and I love all the chrome! Should I ever feel the need to add AC, I will go this route! ...Maybe even add chrome too...
That is how my truck is except a dual belt pulley on an A/C compressor instead of a power steering pump.
