easiest way
Serpentine tensioner.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
With the tensioner fully released it is still very tight. I like to align the belt over everything but the alternator, then pry the tensioner all the way back and slip the belt over the alternator last.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Orlando Florida
make sure you do in fact have the tensioner fully backed off too...I was having a very hard time because my wrench was too long and the radiator hose was getting in my way.
A second set of hands can be very helpful too.
A second set of hands can be very helpful too.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 834
Likes: 0
another posibility is the belt has shrunk due to heat. Not that long a go I smoked my belt trying to set my valve lash (long story) in short the belt shrunk and I had to replace it the new belt slid on very easily. I also recomend a belt tensioner tool ($20 at autozone or other) the thin bar helps get into the tight space and make shure the tensioner is fully released
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Purchased a serpentine belt tool from Summit Racing. It fully depresses the tensioner with your left hand while you slip the belt over the alternator with your right hand.
OR, ask your wife, neighbor or friend to fully depress the tensioner while you slip belt on.
OR, ask your wife, neighbor or friend to fully depress the tensioner while you slip belt on.
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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And be sure you don't break your water temp sensor off in your pump housing (LT engines). It's very easy to do.
