For the life of me I hope someone has a tip. I replaced my belt tensioner and cannot get the new belt on. I used a 1/2 breaker bar and relieved tension (all the way) on the tensioner and the belt will not go over the alternator pulley...close but no cigar. any tips anyone? the belt is K080610 gates, should I get a slightly longer belt? It is the same numbers that were on it before.
thx;
greasy dirty diesel Pat
I usually find that I can install a belt on the smaller pulleys rather than the largest last.
I ordered a new belt 1/2" longer, I hope that will cure the problem. I don't want to put too much tension on the water pump anyways. thanks
Is the pully on the new tensioner the same diameter as the old one?
Just buy a little longer belt. Maybe new tensioner has a larger diameter pulley or doesn't swing as far.
Insure you have the correct path the belt follows then try a 1/2" breaker bar. It should fit between the block and the idler. Please don't use anything but the CORRECT belt. If you continue to have an issue, there is a special (long) tool that is designed especially for this particular PITA job..
FWIW, I've replaced mine about every 125K. To check an idler, slack and spin it.
If it's not spinning freely.. it's due to be replaced. pc