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Old 09-01-2019   #3
Paul Workman
 
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Squires (near Ava MO in the Mark Twain N'tl Forest) - Missouri
Posts: 6,466
Default Re: Replacing the serpentine belt: Best way?

Quote:
Originally Posted by efnfast View Post
Paul, I was able to use a 1/2" drive ratchet with a long handle and broken next.
Put the drive in the tensioner, clocked it just right and hooked it behind something, I forget what it was.
Took the tension off and held it in place. Made the job much easier.
Yes, thank you. Actually, I DID that...sorta. But, realized (late in the game) that I needed to pull the tensioner waaaay back. Had to lasso the end of the ratchet and hog-tie it back soze I could use both hands.

Looking back, part of the problem was the way the new belt was packaged. It came folded in such a way as to make a Samurai (blacksmith) proud and wrapped tightly in a paper sleeve - the whole package would just about fit on palm of my open hand (ok, I have big hands?). When I first saw it, I said to myself, "Naw...That can't be the right belt!!" Can we say kinked??

Anyway... I got distracted and had to leave it and come back the next morning. Once the belt had a chance to relax (de-kink itself) AND I retracted the tensioner fully, it went on easy-peazy.

It's amazing how sometimes when you "hit a wall" with a mechanical installation how leaving it and coming back with a fresh look and how easy then the task just comes together! Funny now, yes. But, I thought some of us DIY guys would see the humor in my little folly!

Last edited by Paul Workman; 09-01-2019 at 08:50 AM.
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