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Pry bar for belt installation [message #10329]

Sun, 11 May 2008 08:27

JimGunther

Messages: 228
Registered: March 2007
Location: West Haven, CT

Karma: 0

Senior Member

After worrying myself into a tizzy all Winter I'm gonna try to re-install the new ac/fan/alt belts myself. (It is sooo stupid this minor job should flummox me....)

Several folks (in earlier posts) have suggested the need for a Pry Bar Tool (I agree) from Harbor Freight.
I've found this set at Sears (NOT Craftsman) and just want to get opinions if it will be ADEQUATE for the job at hand (I know good tools are worth their weight.etc) - at least as useful as a set from Harbor Freight.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00930475000P
TIA, Jim

PS: I've removed the fender liners - Looks like the extra access SHOULD help.

Jim Gunther
www.LotusV6.com

now former owner - ;( 73 GMC-II 2600
by Explorer

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Re: Pry bar for belt installation [message #10332 is a reply to message #10329]

Sun, 11 May 2008 08:53

Bob Horton

Messages: 81
Registered: December 2005
Location: Brandon, Manitoba, Canada

Karma: 0

Member

Jim

I picked up a 24 inch pry bar to do my compressor belt. It worked fine. After advice on the net I removed the fender liner on the passenger side to get at the bolts on the compressor. There was nothing to reinstalling the liner. I painted the compressor bolts heads that had to be loosend white so I could spot them easily with the liner in next time.

I recently replaced the alternator pulley with a double pulley so I had the compressor belt off a couple of times. Got a matched set for the alternator. Now if I could just afford the money for gas to go someplace.

Bob Hprton
Brandon, Manitoba

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Re: Pry bar for belt installation [message #10333 is a reply to message #10329]

Sun, 11 May 2008 09:10

WD0AFQ

Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.

Karma: 207

Senior Member

Jim,
I have those same prybars. The big one will do the job. I bought them for the same reason. I had to get an alt. belt one inch shorter but all are good now and have not squealed for over 3,000 miles.
Dan

3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer

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Re: [gmclist] Pry bar for belt installation [message #10334 is a reply to message #10329]

Sun, 11 May 2008 09:29

Ken Coit

Messages: 151
Registered: November 2005

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Seems to me that someone used to make a tool that pushed two pulleys
apart so that belt tension could be set rather accurately without
having to find a safe prying point and risk a slip. I don't seem to
be able to find anything like it on the web. Anyone else?

I suppose a strong turnbuckle, perhaps with a long (right threaded)
leg made from all thread might to the job if it were hooked into
straps around the pulleys?

--
Ken Coit, ND7N
Raleigh, NC
Parfait Royale
1978 Royale Rear Bath, 403, 3.07

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Re: [gmclist] Pry bar for belt installation [message #10339 is a reply to message #10334]

Sun, 11 May 2008 10:28

GMCWiperMan

Messages: 1248
Registered: December 2007

Karma: 1

Senior Member

I've had a belt tensioner for several years which I bought from
JC Whitney for about $9.95. Their web site won't respond right
now, but Google found these for "belt jack" (a name I just
discovered for the device). From the pictures, those are just as
rinky-dink as the one I have -- but it works for me. I think Dan
Gregg (?) got one from JCW recently but found it didn't work for him.

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=0454182

http://www.stoveparts.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=stoveparts&Product_Code=SUP-BJ10

http://www.refrigeratorparts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=refrigeratorparts&Product_Code=SUP-BJ10

Maybe I need to design & sell one just for the GMC? I looked
once at making permanently mounted tensioners, but couldn't
figure out a decent design.

Ken H.

Ken Coit wrote:
> Seems to me that someone used to make a tool that pushed two pulleys
> apart so that belt tension could be set rather accurately without
> having to find a safe prying point and risk a slip. I don't seem to
> be able to find anything like it on the web. Anyone else?
>
> I suppose a strong turnbuckle, perhaps with a long (right threaded)
> leg made from all thread might to the job if it were hooked into
> straps around the pulleys?
>
>

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Re: [gmclist] Pry bar for belt installation [message #10344 is a reply to message #10339]

Sun, 11 May 2008 11:39

WD0AFQ

Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.

Karma: 207

Senior Member

GMCWiperMan wrote on Sun, 11 May 2008 10:28

I've had a belt tensioner for several years which I bought from
JC Whitney for about $9.95. Their web site won't respond right
now, but Google found these for "belt jack" (a name I just
discovered for the device). From the pictures, those are just as
rinky-dink as the one I have -- but it works for me. I think Dan
Gregg (?) got one from JCW recently but found it didn't work for him.

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=0454182

http://www.stoveparts.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=stoveparts&Product_Code=SUP-BJ10

http://www.refrigeratorparts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=refrigeratorparts&Product_Code=SUP-BJ10

Maybe I need to design & sell one just for the GMC? I looked
once at making permanently mounted tensioners, but couldn't
figure out a decent design.

Ken H.

Ken Coit wrote:
> Seems to me that someone used to make a tool that pushed two pulleys
> apart so that belt tension could be set rather accurately without
> having to find a safe prying point and risk a slip. I don't seem to
> be able to find anything like it on the web. Anyone else?
>
> I suppose a strong turnbuckle, perhaps with a long (right threaded)
> leg made from all thread might to the job if it were hooked into
> straps around the pulleys?
>
>

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Ken, I think I need some hands on direction. Next time we are together maybe I will remember to have you demonstrate it for me.
Dan

3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer

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Re: Pry bar for belt installation [message #10345 is a reply to message #10329]

Sun, 11 May 2008 11:43

GeorgeRud

Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL

Karma: 0

Senior Member

I've also had good luck using a 24" pry bar to tension the belts, but it still is a bit of a pain. It seems that someone was using a serpentine belt setup a while back, but I seem to remember that they were no longer recommending the serpentine belt. It always seems that you have to replace the alternator belt, so all the belts have to come off. A serpentine setup would sure be easier, but not if it doesn't work. This last winter I've also converted to the dual pulley setup, so I hope it will make my life easier.

George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach

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Re: Pry bar for belt installation [message #10347 is a reply to message #10345]

Sun, 11 May 2008 12:17

tdublu

Messages: 52
Registered: July 2007
Location: Kirkland, WA

Karma: 1

Member

Here is the JC Whitney item number:
ZX156161X

Tony W.
Kirkland, WA
'76 Royale

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RE: [gmclist] Pry bar for belt installation [message #10349 is a reply to message #10339]

Sun, 11 May 2008 13:30

GMCMHRON

Messages: 113
Registered: January 2004

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Two words: Crow Bar

Does everything that a pry bar does AND pulls out nails.

Oh, yeah. I forgot. It is good to have more tools. Yes, I have a set of
pry bars.

Ron and Julie

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Re: Pry bar for belt installation [message #10352 is a reply to message #10332]

Sun, 11 May 2008 14:14

John Ruff

Messages: 213
Registered: July 2007
Location: Chandler, AZ

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Bob Horton wrote on Sun, 11 May 2008 06:53

Jim

I picked up a 24 inch pry bar to do my compressor belt. It worked fine. After advice on the net I removed the fender liner on the passenger side to get at the bolts on the compressor. There was nothing to reinstalling the liner. I painted the compressor bolts heads that had to be loosend white so I could spot them easily with the liner in next time.

I recently replaced the alternator pulley with a double pulley so I had the compressor belt off a couple of times. Got a matched set for the alternator. Now if I could just afford the money for gas to go someplace.

Bob Hprton
Brandon, Manitoba

Is there a picture anywhere that shows which bolts that need to be loosened?

John Ruff
Chandler, AZ
1975 Eleganza
WA3RIG

If I use ZDDP in a new car - will the tappets go flat?

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Re: Pry bar for belt installation [message #10370 is a reply to message #10329]

Sun, 11 May 2008 20:25

JimGunther

Messages: 228
Registered: March 2007
Location: West Haven, CT

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Just a brief update.
Sears didn't have the off-brand cheapie set so I went with the $40. version. At least it's Craftsman and no problem if I abuse one. Also got my flare nut wrench set.

I have a busy week but may try to get some quality swearing in 'round dinnertime.

As the buggy is on jacks in front of my house (I'm at the end of the street and I've got good neighbors) I'm keen to get 'er done.
No, I DON'T live in Alabama (not that there's any thing wrong with Alabama<GGG>)

Jim Gunther
www.LotusV6.com

now former owner - ;( 73 GMC-II 2600
by Explorer

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Re: Pry bar for belt installation [message #10377 is a reply to message #10329]

Sun, 11 May 2008 21:15

Bob Horton

Messages: 81
Registered: December 2005
Location: Brandon, Manitoba, Canada

Karma: 0

Member

John wrote

"Is there a picture anywhere that shows which bolts that need to be loosened?

John Ruff"

John

I could not find a picture or good instructions from the maintenance manual when I changed my compressor belt. With the liner off it is easier to see the front bolts. If you do not get instructions from someone more knowlegable than I (that won't take much) I will go out in the morning and get a good description of the location of the four bolts (two at the front and two at the back). Since I painted the heads that should be easy.

Although removing and replacing the liner is easy I think once you have located the bolts and adjusted the compressor the first time with the liners out I think it would be just as doable with the liner in place.

Bob Horton
Brandon, Manitoba

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Re: [gmclist] Pry bar for belt installation [message #10378 is a reply to message #10345]

Sun, 11 May 2008 21:13

GMCWiperMan

Messages: 1248
Registered: December 2007

Karma: 1

Senior Member

Leigh Harrison sells a serpentine belt setup. Some of his customers had
cooling problems, blamed on running the water pump inefficiently in
reverse. Leigh has now designed and produced a reverse flow water pump.
I endured some of the prototyping pains on that; I don't know how well
it's working now.

Bobby Moore & JR Slaten put together 3 sets of their own (I don't know
whether Bobby's or JR's) design. They each have one; Bobby's run his
for several years. I don't know which of JR's several coaches has his
copy. I have copy #3 on the engine I installed about 18,000 miles ago.
I've always run a slightly modified standard pump except for about
1000 miles on Leigh's reverse flow pump. I've had no overheating problems.

I certainly would not want to give up my serpentine belt -- you all
understand why: No adjusting & no slipping. On the other hand, I
probably wouldn't pay the price to buy one "outright".

Ken H.

George Rudawsky wrote:
>
> I've also had good luck using a 24" pry bar to tension the belts, but it still is a bit of a pain. It seems that someone was using a serpentine belt setup a while back, but I seem to remember that they were no longer recommending the serpentine belt. It always seems that you have to replace the alternator belt, so all the belts have to come off. A serpentine setup would sure be easier, but not if it doesn't work. This last winter I've also converted to the dual pulley setup, so I hope it will make my life easier.

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Re: Pry bar for belt installation [message #10379 is a reply to message #10329]

Sun, 11 May 2008 21:28

WD0AFQ

Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.

Karma: 207

Senior Member

The cheap pry bars are at Autozone and Harbor Freight
Dan

3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer

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RE: [gmclist] Pry bar for belt installation [message #10382 is a reply to message #10377]

Sun, 11 May 2008 21:45

Donald Webster

Messages: 1
Registered: February 2004

Karma: 0

Junior Member

I use the original lug nut tool as a pry-bar when tightening belts. It
doesn't fit the lug nuts for the Alcoa's but it is useful for tightening
belts.

Donald Webster
Leesburg FL
78 Eleganza II

>
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Re: Pry bar for belt installation [message #10410 is a reply to message #10329]

Mon, 12 May 2008 09:48

Bob Horton

Messages: 81
Registered: December 2005
Location: Brandon, Manitoba, Canada

Karma: 0

Member

John wrote

John

Took a look at my compressor this morning. Here is my description of what I loosened off.

At the back (top left) there is a 9/16th nut & bolt. At the bottom follow the crescent shaped piece down and there is a bolt at the bottom of it. You will need a socket and extension for that one. (Forgot to check the size but it is probably 9/16th.

At the front top there is a 1/2 inch nut and bolt. At the bottom follow the support bracket to the right (about 4 inches aft of the fan belt) and you will find a 9/16th inch bolt in a slot. My 9/16th offset boxend worked nicely.

Your unit may of course be somewhat different but after you have suffered with it once you won't have any trouble. You will know when you have everything loosened as you will be able to move the compressor. It does take at least a 2 foot bar to give it the affection it needs to tighten it however.

The alternator is easier but don't forget the bolt at the bottom front which is hard to see. Horton's law states "There is always one more %$&&*$% bolt than you counted on". This applies to anything you are working on - engines, circuit boards, whatever.

I didn,t have the guts to touch my power steering adjustments but since I went to a double pulley on the alternator I didn't have to.

Best regards

Bob Horton
Brandon, Manitoba

John wrote
"Is there a picture anywhere that shows which bolts that need to be loosened?

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Re: Pry bar for belt installation [message #10494 is a reply to message #10410]

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:58

John Ruff

Messages: 213
Registered: July 2007
Location: Chandler, AZ

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Bob Horton wrote on Mon, 12 May 2008 07:48

John wrote

John

Took a look at my compressor this morning. Here is my description of what I loosened off.

At the back (top left) there is a 9/16th nut & bolt. At the bottom follow the crescent shaped piece down and there is a bolt at the bottom of it. You will need a socket and extension for that one. (Forgot to check the size but it is probably 9/16th.

At the front top there is a 1/2 inch nut and bolt. At the bottom follow the support bracket to the right (about 4 inches aft of the fan belt) and you will find a 9/16th inch bolt in a slot. My 9/16th offset boxend worked nicely.

Your unit may of course be somewhat different but after you have suffered with it once you won't have any trouble. You will know when you have everything loosened as you will be able to move the compressor. It does take at least a 2 foot bar to give it the affection it needs to tighten it however.

Best regards

Bob Horton
Brandon, Manitoba

John wrote
"Is there a picture anywhere that shows which bolts that need to be loosened?

Thanks Bob. I ordered a tensioning tool today and should be here in a week or so. Seems like the better way to go than using a pry bar.

Thanks again.

John Ruff
Chandler, AZ
1975 Eleganza
WA3RIG

If I use ZDDP in a new car - will the tappets go flat?

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Re: Pry bar for belt installation [message #11387 is a reply to message #10329]

Thu, 22 May 2008 18:53

JimGunther

Messages: 228
Registered: March 2007
Location: West Haven, CT

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Well, I got the damned belts done.

This IS a simple job.
It is a simpler job for two people.

It is simplest and best for 2 mechanics who know what they're doing.

I got a referral from a guy who was my mechanic 40+ yeras ago and the deal was done.
The TOTAL bill (PS 2 guys worked from inside and underneath) was LESS THAT their ONE HOURLY rate.

They also isolated that pesky gas leak (I can monkey that one.)

Sometimes it doesn't pay to be stubborn - and, at least this month, I'm blessed with more money than time.

PS: See my other posting about the flexible brake line remove/replacement.

Jim Gunther
www.LotusV6.com

now former owner - ;( 73 GMC-II 2600
by Explorer

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Re: Pry bar for belt installation [message #11395 is a reply to message #10329]

Thu, 22 May 2008 20:32

Bob Horton

Messages: 81
Registered: December 2005
Location: Brandon, Manitoba, Canada

Karma: 0

Member

Jim

I can't believe you chickened out and had experienced mechanics adjust your belts. It's actions like this that will destroy the North American band-aid industry.

PS. Would you mind sending your experienced mechanics up here for awhile. I have several jobs I'd like them to do while my fingernails grow back.

Bob Horton
Brandon, Manitoba

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Re: Pry bar for belt installation [message #11528 is a reply to message #10494]

Fri, 23 May 2008 15:27

John Ruff

Messages: 213
Registered: July 2007
Location: Chandler, AZ

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Ahrmless wrote on Tue, 13 May 2008 10:58

Bob Horton wrote on Mon, 12 May 2008 07:48

John wrote

John

Took a look at my compressor this morning. Here is my description of what I loosened off.

At the back (top left) there is a 9/16th nut & bolt. At the bottom follow the crescent shaped piece down and there is a bolt at the bottom of it. You will need a socket and extension for that one. (Forgot to check the size but it is probably 9/16th.

At the front top there is a 1/2 inch nut and bolt. At the bottom follow the support bracket to the right (about 4 inches aft of the fan belt) and you will find a 9/16th inch bolt in a slot. My 9/16th offset boxend worked nicely.

Your unit may of course be somewhat different but after you have suffered with it once you won't have any trouble. You will know when you have everything loosened as you will be able to move the compressor. It does take at least a 2 foot bar to give it the affection it needs to tighten it however.

Best regards

Bob Horton
Brandon, Manitoba

John wrote
"Is there a picture anywhere that shows which bolts that need to be loosened?

Thanks Bob. I ordered a tensioning tool today and should be here in a week or so. Seems like the better way to go than using a pry bar.

Thanks again.

Today was the day to tighten the A/C fan belt. Using the fancy new spreader tool - it took one person less than five minutes to do the job! The quality of the tool is very cheap - but more than adequate to do the job.

We did the work without removing the fender wall - and did it on the ground - not on a lift. Easy as pie.

Thanks for all the advice.

John Ruff
Chandler, AZ
1975 Eleganza
WA3RIG

If I use ZDDP in a new car - will the tappets go flat?

[Updated on: Fri, 23 May 2008 15:29]

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