'92 s-10 2.8l belt... need help plz

[El_Hefe]

I am reposting this because I am getting no replies in the s-10 forum.

I am having a hell of a time getting a new belt on. I got the old belt off by simply pulling on the tensioner pulley with my hands while someone else slipped the belt off of the alternator pulley. However, I can't seem to get the new belt on the same way because the tensioner is too stiff. The tensioner looks to be a Torx socket but a size T50 is too small and the next size up, T55, is too big, not to mention the repair manual I bought seems to have a different motor than the one I am looking at. I.E. the tensioner in the manual is up top in front of the air cleaner while mine is down below the alternator. The manual says to use a 1/2 breaker bar which I have tried and it doesn't fit. If anyone has any ideas, help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Also, if anyone knows where to find the belt routing diagram that would be great. I don't see one under the hood, but maybe I'm not looking hard enough. Thanks again.

[Rich]

If the breaker bar doesnt fit....then try something else, or shim it into place. You do not take the tensioner off the mount, just to change the belt, and if you have to this....there is something seriously wrong with the tensioner itself.

Are the bearings in the tensioner ok? Has the belt warn normally, or is there something else wrong here. From what you have posted, it sounds like there is something else at fault here..


If you need any more help, dont be afraid to ask......