[C320-list] Belt Adjustment; Battery watering

[Warren Updike]

Many years ago, long before cars had serpentine belts and low/no maintenance
batteries there were two tools we used that I’ve found useful on “Warr de
Mar.” (It’ ok to chuckle at the name.)  One was a belt tensioner and the
other was a battery watering bottle.  

 

The tensioner is two threaded screws with a center threaded piece much like
a turnbuckle.  There is a curved saddle-like surface on each end.  It is
placed between two pulleys, the saddle ends fit nicely in the pulley, and
the center piece is turned to extend the ends.  Once the pulleys are
engaged, a wrench is turned to achieve the desired tension.  So much easier
than wedging with a screw driver.  I bought one on the web at ???; but, they
no longer carry them.  Try a local auto store.  Just remember to remove it
before starting engine (I’ve failed to do that.)

 

The battery bottle (actually plastic,) holds about ½ gal, and has a sprung
valve spout at a right angle at the top.  The spout has a snout that reaches
into the battery to stop the water below the split ring.  All you do is
insert the spout, press on the bottle, and the water flows stopping when the
cell is filled.  No brainer.  I am able, with some manipulations, to water
all 12 cells on both batteries.  This also is a no-leak storage bottle.  I
found this at Pep Boys Auto Stores; but, this is probably easier to find
than the belt adjuster.  

 

I’ve done some research on battery watering systems. Most involve special
battery caps and tubing to connect the caps.  The caps are not simple as
they usually have some sort of a valve system to stop the flow in a full
cell while allowing the others to continue to fill.  Neat stuff but pricey.
The cheapest I’ve seen starts about $2-300US.  I can suffer a lot of
inconvenience for $300.  Still, a nice idea.

 

Warren & Pattie Updike

1994 C320 #62 "Warr de Mar"