Alternator belt install

[carole012]

Can somebody tell me how to put an alternator belt on a 1989 Beretta GT (2.8 litre automatic).  It must not have been put on right because it isn't broken but it's just hanging loose.  Thanks so much. ÂÂÂ

[Asylum]

Did you check the tensioner?
Do you have the belt routing diagram?

[carole012]

The belt routing diagram is on a plate right over the belt.  What i need to know is how to move
the alternator and/or pulley enough to get it on.  A diagram or something would be helpful too.  Thanks so much.    

[Asylum]

The alternator doesn't move.
The tensioner moves.

[carole012]

HOW? WHERE IS IT? AND HOW DO YOU MOVE IT?

[1988GTU]

Find the crank.
Move your hand up above the crank about 3".
It'll be an aluminum bracket with an idler pulley on the end of it.
At the end of where the pulley is, you'll lift up on it...This is where you at the same time, slip the belt on the alt.

Take a few picutures of your situation and post them up here.

[carole012]

Sorry i can't provide any pictures.  I think i found the Idler pulley but it's held by a nut of some kind.  I can get a #13 (metric) socket on it but there isn't anything short enough to hook it to so you don't hit the wheel well.  Bought a "serpentine belt installer"  but the only thing that's a #13  ISN'T a socket and you can't get a grip on the thing to turn it.  HELP!!!  Is there any other way to move this thing?  

[1988GTU]

You don't want to undo that 13mm.  You want to put an adjustable wrench at the other end of that part (Towards front of car) and lift up.  Try your best to provide a picture of your situation please.

[carole012]

Hopefully without sounding like a complete MORON, lol  what kind of adjustable wrench?

[z284pwr]

Here, I'll help you out....

Picture description....

Looks like this....


Put wrench here....


Pull towards the firewall


Place belt over alternator.....all done....pretty simple once you figure it out...


Oh, if no adjustable wrench available, about a 15mm wrench works too, just not as big for leverage.....

[carole012]

Bless you....    ÂÂÂ

[carole012]

HELP!!!  Found the tensioner, got it to move, got the belt on.  Not convinced the belt's in the right place.  Car starts fine with NO belt at all, with it on, it won't start and runs the battery dead REALLY fast.  What am i doing wrong?

[1988GTU]

This is basically the way it would look like when the belt is on the right way.


That picture is not 100% exact, so enjoy!  

[carole012]

Everything seems to be in the right place but with the belt on, the car STILL won't start.  Somebody told me that sometimes the air conditioner compressor freezes up.  I tried to move it and couldn't. (Don't know if it actually won't move or just won't move because it's in a REALLY hard place to reach.)  If it is frozen up, can i by-pass the pulley?  Or do something to make the thing move?  I can't tell you how much your advise is appreciated.  

[Asylum]

Having the belt on OR off will not stop the car from starting.
And it will start even with a seized compressor, although the belt wont last long, lol.
So you have another problem somewhere.