pcolt94

Removing an existing Serpentine belt for a repair is usually no problem. But getting a new one on for the first time can be a trying experience. Have seen many threads on this over the years. Replacing my belt only because the sides look a bit frayed in a couple places. I could not get the new belt on no way as the sweat was starting to drip off me. I was not going to use a screwdriver to pry it around like the last time many years ago as I did not like how it worked out with a nick in the belt. So there has got to be something creative I can do.

What I did was to remove the star bolt and rear bolt from the alternator and just loosed the nut on the big thru bolt. The alternator only dropped about 1/8" due to the valve cover. Thinking this was not enough however it made all the difference in the world. I held back the tensioner and the belt went right over the alternator. Then I prevented the tensioner from going to the relaxed position where I could release the tool. Then with my hands free picked up the alternator slightly and put the screws back in. Then released the tool, the tensioner tightened and the belt was on in perfect shape.

hcbph

Haven't had that problem (L98) but glad to hear you found a working solution for yours. Well, can't complain if it works!

scrappy76

Just changed my belt a few months ago. I did the idler pulley at the same time. I took off the old belt, removed the old idler pulley that was bad. Then installed the new belt. I used an extension pipe to get the tension off a little better, the new belt slid right on. And this was on a 92 lt1

antfarmer2

Just did my 94 last year do not remember any problem. Maybe just needed to pull a bit harder.

pcolt94

Well those are interesting comments. This is the 3rd or 4th belt over the years and it's always been a struggle. I just did not want to damage the belt this time. I pulled the tensioner all the way to the stop as far as it would travel.

Must be something specific to my set up but all is stock. I thought a lot of people had this same problem. So as long as I can deal with it all is OK. When it stretches out a bit I won't have the problem.

antfarmer2

Mine is stock too it was tight getting on did not need a screwdriver. I wonder what the differance is?

desertmike1

my 95 was difficult when the belt was new, not so much after putting a few miles on the belt..