skip to main content

Belt Removal - Defeated...

18 years ago

I had to change the serpentine belt on a 1996 Buick Skylark with a 2.4 liter engine. Should have been a cake job. NOT. I purchased the belt removal tool ($60) with the crow's foot wrenches - 13mm. was used. I could not get the tensioner pulley to budge and release belt tension, and it began to round off the pulley bolt so I stopped. What went wrong here besides my inability?

Marty

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

gary__
18 years ago
Usually there's a square hole in the tensioner that a 1/2 drive ratchet or breaker bar will fit. An extension might be needed too. If it has to be turned by the hex head on the pully, it seems like you'd need a box end wrench. I don't see an open end wrench or crow foot working. Don't know what belt removal tool you're talking about, but I'll admit I'm behind the times.
majorxlr8n
Original Author
18 years ago
heres the tool, from Napa:
http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=SER&PartNumber=3414&Description=Serpentine+Belt+Release+Tool

This tensioner does not have the 3/8" square hole, the center stud for the pulley is supposed(?) to be used for removal. Yes - the crow's foot did not work at ALL. I tried using a regular 13mm socket with the removal tool bar but there isn't enough room. Now, I wonder if a flare nut type crows foot would work. I also wonder if the tensioner is seized? No matter - I'm done with it, MIL is taking it to the shop. I wasted an entire day off monkeying with it & I'm done. I just would like to get some feedback in case I encounter another stubborn one such as this PITA...

Thanks - Marty
Related Discussions
Defeated by SVB
Q
Comments (3)
Sorry about that. I did get one borer this year, despite being vigilant. I didn't see it but the damage was there. I think I got to it in time to save the stalk. I also had Squash Bug nymphs and squished them all up. We've had a lot of cool wetter weather this week so I'm hoping when the sun comes back out, I get lots of nice squash flowers.
...See More
belt removal eager-1/replacement engine
Q
Comments (1)
I doubt it is economical to re-power this machine either.
...See More
Chilli Thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) defeated by oils and soaps
Q
Comments (14)
I know I only have regular thrips (frankinwhatever) but I had them BAAAAD and maybe some of you will find this worth a try. I tried spraying with something nasty once 4 years ago- (it worked, temporarily) but decided quickly it wasn't worth the health of myself and the planet to spray my garden routinely for thrips and so last year I switched to organic soaps only and added nematodes to the soil. It helped to a degree. But I started this year with a pretty bad infestation (leaves more yellow from stippling, than green- all flowers scarred or just unable to open) and after watching my purchased lady bugs fly off, again, I decided I needed to quit killing aphids with the soap so the ladybugs would stay and lay some eggs, so then the lady bug nymps (alligators! who can't fly!) would be there eventually and eat the thrips. ... and doing nothing worked great. I also had a bunch of minute pirate bugs and lacewings adopt my garden (yay! first time ever) and the thrips now have predators to eat them and seem to be gone. No more nose full of bugs when I sniff. I look to make sure there isn't pirate in there ready to bite me now tho! But No more ruined blooms. I did a google search on "aphids and thrips" and found that some people agree- you need aphids to get rid of thrips. The aphids do so little damage, and they've been eaten up anyway now too. So- I know I didn't have chili thrips, but I found that even the soap left me worse off than before for the regular thrips since it was removing all predators of thrips. I don't have any other problem bugs in the garden I can't squish (no JB, no sawflies etc.) so I understand my solution isn't for everyone- just tossing this out for those who may only have a severe flower thrip problem.
...See More
Mite-y atom defeated?-at last
Q
Comments (18)
We have lots of snakes around here but none are poisonous, unless you go to the western part of the state and that's only cotton mouths. I have a big problem with our greenhouse manager killing snakes. He's petrified of them as are the other people who work at the farm. I have to constantly get on them about it. I told them that they could call me to remove them but they aren't to kill them. Unfortunately I'm pretty sure they still do when I'm not around : ( I've also found that bringing home a snake is a great way to get my husband out of the house lol He's also freaked out by them and I'm always bringing one or two home for the kids to look at. It's so funny to watch a 6' 190lb man act like an absolute sissy at the sight of a snake! I only keep them for a couple days then I release them in the yard or the woods. Karyn
...See More
jemdandy
18 years ago
I don't have nay experience with the Buick engine, but have changed the serpentine belt on a 4cy Saturn. The belt tensioner for this engine does not have the square hole, but makes use of a hex head at the center of the tensioner sheave (pulley). I have attempted to relieve tension using a box end wrench, and yes, getting enough space is a problem. (I was working from the topside. A repair manual indicates easier access from underneath the car.) I found that a special tensioner tool made this job much easier. The tool that I purchased consisted of a two flat bars with appropraite details for fitting the second bar as an extension. Standard sockets are too deep to apply in the cramped quarters. The tensioner tool came with a set of shallow scokets and details to fit into a hex hole in the flat bar, a very compact arrangement.

Make sure that you turn in a direction to move the sheave away from the belt, not toward it.

Some belt tensioners have a hole to insert a pin to hold the tensioner in a cocked position. This makes for easier belt assembly since the tensioner tool can be removed. It is almost impossible to put the new belt on unless you can "park" the tensioner. However, the tensioner is a dangerous item in its cocked position. If it should let go, it can smash and/or break fingers. be very careful where you put your hand/fingers when working around a cocked tensioner. After the belt is in place, appply the tensioner tool and remove the pin.
john_g
18 years ago
The belt is best done from below, with the RF wheel off, and the splash shield removed.

As far as the tools? Imagine needing another 500+ just for servicing serpentine belts.
majorxlr8n
Original Author
18 years ago
Gary, Jemdandy & John G - thank you for the insight on this. Next time I might be more prepared to perform this task.

Regards - Marty

Related Stories

DIY PROJECTS Refresh an Old Dresser With Leather Belt Handles

By Shelly Miller Leer

Give a tired piece of furniture a bright new look with loop handles made from a thrift store belt

MOST POPULAR Thanksgiving Tales: When the Turkey Tanks

By Mary Jo Bowling

Houzz readers prove adept at snatching victory from the jaws of entertaining defeat

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: An Old-World Bungalow Earns a New Plan

With a hundred years under its belt, this New Hampshire home deserved the loving additions and modern updates made by its architect owner

DECORATING GUIDES Houzz Guides: 12 Ways to Decorate for Less

By Laura Gaskill

Who says you need wads of cash to have loads of style? With these skills under your belt, you can get amazing results on a budget

Guest Picks: Gifts for Bicycle Fans

By Barbara Matson

Get your holiday shopping in gear with cycling-celebrating artwork, bedding, lighting and more

MOST POPULAR Garage Cleaning Tips for the Overwhelmed

By Laura Gaskill

Don’t let this catch-all space get the better of you. These baby steps can get you started

KITCHEN DESIGN The Cure for Houzz Envy: Kitchen Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Take your kitchen up a notch even if it will never reach top-of-the-line, with these cheap and easy decorating ideas

5 Stunning Modern Range Hoods

Today's kitchen range hoods can look like sleek sculptures. Here's what to look for when you go shopping for one

FURNITURE Smart Shopper: How to Buy a Mattress

Confusing options, hair-raising prices, haggling ... Our guide can keep you from losing sleep over mattress shopping

KITCHEN DESIGN Easy Green: 10 Small Kitchen Changes to Make Today

By Laura Gaskill

Taking small steps in going green can lead to big results over time, and starting in the kitchen is a smart choice

Sponsored

Kuhns Contracting, Inc.

26 Reviews

Central Ohio's Trusted Home Remodeler Specializing in Kitchens & Baths