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Topic: 1983-87 3.8 belt routing (Read 1789 times) previous topic - next topic

1983-87 3.8 belt routing

How come on some the A/C piggybacks off the P/S, but some it doesn't?
Current: 1986 Thunderbird, 105k 3.8/C5, 2 tone  Midnight Wine/Medium Taupe, wing windows, wire wheel covers.


Former: 1985 Cougar GS 115k Oxford White/Regatta Blue, 5.0, full console, 14" 8 hole aluminum T-Bird rims, Edelbrock valve covers.

1983-87 3.8 belt routing

Reply #1
It may have depended upon the A/C compressor used. Some had the "pancake" style (HR-980), some had the more traditional longer style. Also, IIRC, at some point the 3.8L went with a full serpentine setup.

 

1983-87 3.8 belt routing

Reply #2
Yeah, my '86 T-bird (built 12/85) has the full serpentine.
Current: 1986 Thunderbird, 105k 3.8/C5, 2 tone  Midnight Wine/Medium Taupe, wing windows, wire wheel covers.


Former: 1985 Cougar GS 115k Oxford White/Regatta Blue, 5.0, full console, 14" 8 hole aluminum T-Bird rims, Edelbrock valve covers.

1983-87 3.8 belt routing

Reply #3
My '84 has the separate A/C belt. I knew somewhere around 1985-86 there was a serpentine setup but wasn't sure when it took place, as I've not owned one of those year 3.8L cars.

1983-87 3.8 belt routing

Reply #4
Ive had two 87 3.8 cougars, they both had two belts.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com


1983-87 3.8 belt routing

Reply #6
My '86 3.8L Cougar w/AC had a single serpentine belt. I can't recall the part number for the AC, but the set up had never been changed from factory.
If worms had daggers, birds wouldn't f**k with 'em

1983-87 3.8 belt routing

Reply #7
Quote from: Scott D;438334
My '86 3.8L Cougar w/AC had a single serpentine belt. I can't recall the part number for the AC, but the set up had never been changed from factory.
It will be a 6P148A. Is your build date between 5/85 and 1/86?