Escort alternator installation

[tterry]

I have the 1999 2.0 DOHC model (ZX2). Used the tensioner but didn't seem to give me enough slack. Any ideas or tips?

[AzTumbleweed]

Are you talking about belt replacement? Title say alternator replacement. You might try the next longer size belt.

[mightymoose_22]

compare the numbers on the new belt to the numbers on the belt you took off. As mentioned, you probably have the wrong size.

[denisond3]

Its not unusal for a new serpentine belt to be a tight fit when you are installing it the first time. Its like the tensioner only moves enough for you to -barely- be able to get the belt over the last pulley. Once its been on for a few thousand miles, they are much easier to remove/replace. Installing a new serp. belt is one of those jobs that can take 3 hands.

[tripletdaddy]

I found that with the right belt, the RIGHT order you put it on the last pulley makes a big difference. So, you may be better off putting the belt on everything including the tensioner but not one flat/smooth pulley. On one of my cars, I put the belt last on the flat idler pulley. Putting it on the tensioner last is NOT an option!!! It's also buried. It's much easier to get the belt on a flat pulley last than a grooved pulley because of the shoulders on the grooved pulley. To be sure you have the right belt, match the old and new up, expecting the old one to be a smidge longer. You can also call back to the store for the right part confirmation too.

[Davescort97]

Ditto on putting the belt on a smooth idler puller rather than a ribbed serpentine pulley. The last time I put one on I didn't do it this way and had to bump the starter to get the belt on the crank pulley. btw the last 2 or 3 numbers on the belt are the length of it in inches. The last 3 numbers for my 97 are 50.5 Hence 50 and a half inches on length. I believe you could go up half an inch and it would work fine.

[zzyzzx2]

You probably bought a Dayco belt that's 1/2" too short for the engine. If I lookup all the belts available for my 1995LX, the Dayco one is 1/2" shorter than all the rest, and it doesn't fit.