Alternator pulley

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2014ltdltz
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Joined: Sun Aug 26, 2018 3:25 pm

Alternator pulley

Post by 2014ltdltz »

Ok, disclaimers up front:

1. I haven't had to change an alternator on a GM vehicle in awhile, so maybe my inquiry is old news.
2. I did a quick search of the forum, but didn't find anything which answered my question.

My inquiry: So what is the deal with the alternator pulley design for the 6.0/6.2L LS engines (can't comment on the design for the 3.6 as I don't have one of those)? It isn't a standard stamped/pressed pulley - it seems like there is more to it and, when giving the alternator a spin by hand, it almost seems like there is a centrifugal clutch inside the pulley (???). Can anyone shed some light on this?

Apologies in advance if this has been previously addressed. Thanks.
s/c'd cav
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Re: Alternator pulley

Post by s/c'd cav »

yes they have a 1 way clutch on them , its to absorb shock loads , its been a common thing for a couple decades
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Mooseman
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Re: Alternator pulley

Post by Mooseman »

I think they first came out on performance mid-2000's vehicles (I know they did on 2006 TrailBlazer SS 6.0L but not on the 5.3L). I think it's to let the alternator freewheel when the engine RPMs decrease quickly so the belt deflection is decreased.
2011 Caprice PPV, former RCMP test vehicle, never put into service
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2014ltdltz
Posts: 25
Joined: Sun Aug 26, 2018 3:25 pm

Re: Alternator pulley

Post by 2014ltdltz »

Thank you both for the quick and informative replies!
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