[HALLIDAY]

Not to sound like an idiot but how do I "break out" the alternator to replace the drive belt? There seems to be two bolts with sleeves on opposing sides of the unit and it seems likley not to drop to one side to relieve the tension to get the belt off. I know this is very easy but...... :confused

 

[frickjp]

Follow the belt down and to the left of the alternator. The first pulley you come to is the tensioner. In the centre of the tensioner is a 15mm nut. Put a wrench on it and swing it inward, or clockwise. It's spring loaded, and will slacken the belt. What's up with the alternator?

 

[HALLIDAY]

Nothing wrong with the alt. The belt has to be replaced. After I looked at it while having the first cup of coffee for the day I saw the tensioner. Mabye not enough coffee or too much Pabst Blue Ribbon last night. Getting the tensioner up enough to get the new belt back on is a pain, oh well. Thanks for the reply.

 

[HALLIDAY]

What tool do you recomend to pull the tensioner up to get the belt on?

 

[frickjp]

I pull the fan and shroud first. The box end of a standard 15mm wrench works fine. Stick the box end of another wrench on rhe open end of the first for added leverage.

 

[HALLIDAY]

I pulled the fan cover off first and loosened the bolt holding the tensioner and lifted it up to remove the old belt. Put the new one on and it would not lift up enough to put the belt on. Used a fifteen on a ratchet with a piece of small pipe and still no dice. Pulled the whole belt off and put it on again, put the ratchet and small pipe on the tensioner and everything came together just fine. Heard a gurgling sound in the dashboard when I started it wich seems weird. I blame my morning on the classic American hangover. I usually do not have problems with things so simple, blame the beer!!!! :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer:

 

[frickjp]

Heard a gurgling sound in the dashboard when I started it wich seems weird.

Gurgling = air. Air = low coolant.