I bolted up a new water pump from Napa auto parts. Everything fit normally. But now the belt does not fit now..... too long. Re-using original belt and tensioner. I don't understand why. The belt fitted normally before I took off pump. I made sure I had the belt routed correctly. Bought a new belt and old belt is same length. Anyone delt with this before.

 

Something isn't right here. Are you certain you mounted the serpentine tensioner to the water pump correctly? Also, did you check to see if the diameter of the WP pulley is the same as the original?

 

this

 

I put the pumps side by side and the look the same. It should be this much stress to change a dam water pump

Took the pump back and gonna fork out for OEM pump. I hope this works. Forgot to mention that a water pump bolt snapped while torquing down at 22ft/lbs. so dealing with that too. Its not the end of the world but I want my vette back on the road.

 

Hey I just did this and the routing of the belt is not what it seems. I messed with this too and it does appear wrong. Play with the routing. It will definitely go back on. And you do need a new torque wrench. OEM pump won't make a difference with the belt issue.

 

Sorry I can't help with the water pump/belt problem....but you might need a new torque wrench....

 

if the pulley on the old pump and new pump are the same it should fit. I remember putting a new belt, double check the pulley mounting and the belt route.

 

C5 Belt Routing
Show both both belts. AC belt goes on pulley #11