putting the belt back on

[JG55]

winterizing 6.0L ZR-6. Pulled impeller and now I can't get the serpentine belt back on. Loosened the belt tension but still can't get it to go.

Any suggestions besides taking it to the dealer to get it on???

[Nordicron]

winterizing 6.0L ZR-6. Pulled impeller and now I can't get the serpentine belt back on. Loosened the belt tension but still can't get it to go.

Any suggestions besides taking it to the dealer to get it on???

Not sure how the zr-6 is but on the 343 it has the spring loaded belt tensioner that you just put the big socket on and can crank clockwise to take all the pressure off the belt and slide it right on.

[Miljack]

What Nordic said, on a Vdrive can be a little tricky as you need two hands, but, the spring return on the tensioner is not that tough to overcome. Put a socket on there and turn clockwise, and the tensioner will "relax" or rotate and allow you to slip the belt over the pulley.

[JG55]

What Nordic said, on a Vdrive can be a little tricky as you need two hands, but, the spring return on the tensioner is not that tough to overcome. Put a socket on there and turn clockwise, and the tensioner will "relax" or rotate and allow you to slip the belt over the pulley.

OK. Heading back out and will look again. Maybe I loosened the wrong bolt, but the bolt I loosened is the one right in the center of the "tension pulley". It's not tot the side. In fact, took the whole thing off (maybe that was my mistake).

If I've loosened the wrong bolt, let me know.

Back "under the hood" before it rains.....

[jsta281]

Not being specifically familiar with your application but the pulley that is the belt tensioner does not "loosen" or come off (at least it does not have to come off) rather it actually pivots out of the way when you apply pressure with the wrench. You will have to maintain pressure on the wrench until you get the belt back into position and then release the pressure and the pulley will pivot back into position and tighten the belt.

At least this is how most serpentine belt systems are that I have worked on.

If I am way off I apologize.

[docderwood]

Not being specifically familiar with your application but the pulley that is the belt tensioner does not "loosen" or come off (at least it does not have to come off) rather it actually pivots out of the way when you apply pressure with the wrench. You will have to maintain pressure on the wrench until you get the belt back into position and then release the pressure and the pulley will pivot back into position and tighten the belt.

At least this is how most serpentine belt systems are that I have worked on.

If I am way off I apologize.

You are correct. I have the same engine. Very accurate description of how it works.

[AirTool]

Not sure if this is solved, but w/all serp belts choose the smoothest pulley with the smallest or no lip to go on LAST. Put the belt on the alt, idler, etc, then slip it on the red lipless pulley last.

[JG55]

Not sure if this is solved, but w/all serp belts choose the smoothest pulley with the smallest or no lip to go on LAST. Put the belt on the alt, idler, etc, then slip it on the red lipless pulley last.

I'm an IDIOT!

"clockwise" Got it all put together. Amazing how easy it is when you turn the bolt "clockwise".

Thanks Miljack! Merry Christmas!