I need help fast on reinstalling the accessory/serpentine/fan belt for a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire with the 2200 OHC engine.
I am having problems getting the belt on all the pulleys with the tensioner in place. I need to find out whether there are tips on doing this or whether there is a special tool for holding the tensioner. Remember, I am trying to INSTALL the belt, not remove it. I have checked the positioning and routing of the belt; it is fine. I really just need help with the tensioner.
The bolt on the tensioner loosens the tensioner from the engine when turned counter-clockwise. Turning clockwise only tightens the tensioner to the engine.
Please let me know in detail if there are tips on reinstalling the belt.
I am trying to get this done ASAP.
Thank you!
Use a socket and/or rachet to move(compress) the tensioner.
Bagged Base Coupe (Tinkles) wrote:Use a socket and/or rachet to move(compress) the tensioner.
I don't understand. The tensioner does not compress when the bolt is turned. The bolt on it either loosen or tightens the tension TO THE ENGINE for me. It does not move the pulley attached to the tensioner to release the tension.
I have done some research here on the issue and I am finding that none of the stuff I have read seems to relate to my car's set-up. I have taken photos of the tensioner and idler so maybe someone can help me by looking at them.
The first picture is what the tensioner looks like from the top of the engine. Located on the left side. The bolt that is circled in red is the bolt that tightens or loosen the tensioner to the engine. It does not actually flex the tensioner to allow the serpentine belt onto the pulley on the tensioner.
This is what the tensioner looks like from below (easier access). It has one bolt and then an arm that holds a pulley. The pulley is attached by a bolt that faces the engine. No clearance to touch that bolt.
Close-up of the tensioner (camera in awkward angle)
View from top of engine of the water pump, alt., and the idler pulley. I have read stuff that claim that the idler pulley is the tensioner. All this thing is on my engine is a simple pulley that does not move other than to spin. There is one bolt that holds it to the engine.
Hope those pictures made it clearer for you guys to understand what I am talking about. The tensioner has some weird bumps and hooks on it so I am starting to think there is a tool that compresses the tensioner to allow the belt on. Any experience?
I put the belt around everything but the alternator and then get the tire iron and push down on the tensioner to put some slack on the belt then with the other hand slip the belt over the alt pully.
Thanks for the reply. That is what seems to work for this engine lay-out. I will try it.
I also found this picture. It is EXACTLY how my engine looks like.
would putting the rachet head in the little square hole help?
I put the flat end at the end of the red line.
no no no...
your all doing it wrong...
ITs slightly easier from the bottom but its doable within 5 secs either way...going from the top its just easier (more leverage) you just have to jury rig a socket over the end of a breaker bar.,
See the square hole?
Thats a hole for a 3/8" drive ratchet or what fits better....a breaker bar. slide that puppy in and its absolutly rediculously simple from there. Like I said, bottom = more clearance cause you dont have to fight your extension around the motor mount but top end unless your on a lift is a bit more accessible.
Buildin' n' Boostin for 08' - Alex Richards
exactly. they but a 3/8 drive square drive hole in the tensioner. make sure you re-tighten your tensioner assembly before you try to get he belt on.
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Well, thanks for all the replies. I was able to declare victory by pushing down from the top with a torque wrench as my roomate slipped the belt over the alt. I hope this thread saves someone else some massive headaches in the future.
Long live the automotive hive-mind.
Thanks you peeps from j-body.
Thats what i was trying to explain. But i had the fact that i have worked on a 2200 OHV(so i didnt know if there was a square hole or a hex bolt to loosen the tenisioner) and its also one of the things that is so easy for me that i have a hard time explaining. Oh well, you guys dont care.
What belt brand did you have before and which one is the one you have now???
any difference?
That thing had me all messed up the first time I changed the alternator. It took me forever to figure out there was a socket hole. On top of that, everything is in the way. It's pretty stupid how it's set up, putting a belt on shouldn't be a 2 man job...
twiztidhybrid wrote:...putting a belt on shouldn't be a 2 man job...
its not... i can do it by myself in like five minutes.
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