How to tension V belt with alternator install

[jkloor]

Back again for more advice please.

Per last week's post, figured out alternator was the problem. Have new alternator (skidim.com).

I've got it in place, belt on, and the lower "swivel bolt" engaged.

How on earth do I get the belt to full tension and then tighten the "fixation bolt"? There is so little working room (Monsoon 340 V drive).

On another engine I recall having one person use a crowbar for the tension while another tightened the fixation bolt.

But I haven't figured out how to do the same here.

Appreciate help from those who know how to do it. (Anybody live north of Orlando and want to take a run or two after helping me )

And do I need a 2nd person (besides the wife)?

Thanks in advance.

JK

[MadMan]

You could try getting the "fixation bolt" semi tight, so you force that alternator into position with the belt tight, then tighten the bolt.

[justgary]

I imagine that 99% of the crew lives north of Orlando and wants to take a run after helping you.

Can you remove a panel to get better access?

[grandude]

Consider moving the trans cooler out of the way and come in from the top with a medium pry bar. Don't remove the trans cooler lines (the brass one's that are on the side), just remove the water inlet and outlet hoses and remove the cooler from the clamp. This will allow you to move the cooler to the side and access a tension point from the top of the alternator. It will still be helpful to have a buddy hold tension on the pry bar from the swim platform side while you tighten the tension bolt. Good time to check for debris in the bottom side of the cooler as well.

[skyskier]

If you go too tight you risk early failure of the bearings on any pulley driven by that belt. Just one more thing to keep you up at night.