C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Drive belt LT1

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Old Jan 14, 2006 | 04:10 PM
  #1  
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Default Drive belt LT1

Hi All
I have just tried to change my drive ( serpentine?) belt and it wont fit?(only by avery small amount)
I just cant get it to go on. Yes I have got the tensioner at full lift...so I bought a GM belt and guess what just the same! I eventually fitted it by using a screwdriver to ease it over the generator pulley? am I doing something wrong or is there an easier belt to fit? Also does anyone make a spenner to fit the tensioner that has along arm? it is very hard to pull the tensioner with just a normal size wrench?
Help please John UK VetteNut
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Old Jan 14, 2006 | 04:50 PM
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I believe it's due to the stretch of the old belt.

Both my cars were the same way, it looked as if it would barely fit, but I got them on no problem.

I used a serpentine belt tool, pulled on the tensioner, sat on it and used both hands to put the belt on. I saved the alternator pulley for last.
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Old Jan 14, 2006 | 04:55 PM
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I find that by leaving the alternator belt for last it allows you to work with the slack where you need it. FWIW though I've never had one that I had to pry on unless I couldn't get enough leverage on the tensioner.
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Old Jan 14, 2006 | 05:58 PM
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Thanks for help...where can I get a tensioner tool? please remember I'm in the UK so it will be from Ecklers/mid america etc for me to get?
Thanks for help
John UKVetteNut
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Old Jan 14, 2006 | 06:00 PM
  #5  
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Well I'm not sure what the UK equivalent is going to be but I was able to buy one at Sears.
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Old Jan 14, 2006 | 06:32 PM
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I got mine from Mid America, part #609-135.
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Old Jan 14, 2006 | 06:33 PM
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I use a 16 mm socket on a 3/8 breaker bar with a short piece of pipe over the end for extra leverage.
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Old Jan 14, 2006 | 06:45 PM
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Sears has one for $29.99. If I remember correctly, I just used a 1/2 inch drive breaker bar.
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Old Jan 14, 2006 | 07:08 PM
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I could be wrong but I don't think I could get my 1/2 drive breaker bar to fit due to lack of clearance.
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Old Jan 14, 2006 | 07:16 PM
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What I have done is take the idler pully off. Put the belt on. Pull on the tensioner again and someone or something hold it. the put the idler pulley back on.
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Old Jan 14, 2006 | 07:28 PM
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Originally Posted by wrw7255
I use a 16 mm socket on a 3/8 breaker bar with a short piece of pipe over the end for extra leverage.
works everytime
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Old Jan 15, 2006 | 05:30 PM
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Default go around alternator FIRST, not last

Originally Posted by JohnUKVetteNut
Hi All
I have just tried to change my drive ( serpentine?) belt and it wont fit?(only by avery small amount)
I just cant get it to go on. Yes I have got the tensioner at full lift...so I bought a GM belt and guess what just the same! I eventually fitted it by using a screwdriver to ease it over the generator pulley? am I doing something wrong or is there an easier belt to fit? Also does anyone make a spenner to fit the tensioner that has along arm? it is very hard to pull the tensioner with just a normal size wrench?
Help please John UK VetteNut
Whereas the tendency is to put the belt on the Alternator LAST, because the belt goes around nearly 180 degrees, the 'lip' on the Alternator pulley prevents this from working with a new belt.

Instead, I put the belt on the Alternator BEFORE going around the tensioner. Since the tensioner does not have a 'lip', it will just slip over the tensioner with no difficulty.

Also, like one of the other forum members, I just used a socket and 1/2" breaker bar, wedged underneath something (don't remember) on the passenger side of the engine.
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Old Feb 17, 2006 | 11:17 AM
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Take care not to break that water temp sensor nipple, though! That thing's a **** if you do.
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