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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
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.
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
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.
From: 1994 LT1 Coupe 6-speed with FX3 & 2000 LS1 Vert 6-Speed with F45 Hunterdon County, NJ
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.