New Alternator belt extremely tight

[Keekster71]

I've got a 2008 GE Honda Fit.  The alternator belt looks like the original so decided to replace it.  I took the tension off the tensioner using a 19mm spanner, but the new belt was so tight, I found it impossible to get it over all the pulleys.  The belt is 1138mm long, and I've measured it, so it should be the correct replacement belt.  The you tube videos make it look easy, but it certainly isn't.  I did wonder if the japanese cars have a different length of belt, but they seem to all use the same belt, so its not that.  The GD has a much longer belt, so its definitely the right belt.  Any ideas?  I've ordered another belt which is meant to be 1340mm long, so hopefully that one will fit. TIA

[Westy36]

When I replaced mine, the belt came off easily. I found the tensioner needed a lot of effort to move far enough to allow this to happen though. Might be useful to get a helper to hold tension off whilst you wrestle with the belt.

If you are feeling brave, you could cut the old belt off, but I wouldn't recommend. Maybe some soapy water as lubrication?

[Keekster71]

I might put the new belt in a bucket of hot water first, to soften it.  I found a post on the US based Honda Fit forum, and it does seem to be a fairly comment problem.  Most had to 'walk the belt' onto the air con pulley as they turned the crank pulley using a socket and ratchet.  Not what your supposed to do.  Apparently the genuine honda belts can be extremely tight to fit.  Will give it a go again at the weekend.
https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-generation-ge-08-13/94425-any-tricks-getting-tight-drive-serpentine-belt.html

[Lord Voltermore]

You can buy  little belt removal/installation  tools.  I have never used one  and I dont know if it will work in your case.   The technique used may amount to 'walking the belt on' . There might be other types. 

Cut and paste the following product code  ,either on google, or in the 'all departments' search field on amazon.
     B0CSP2QYJC

[Keekster71]

Thanks for that.  Just bought the metal version of amazon.  The new belt I ordered arrived.  Its about 5mm longer, despite meant to be only 2mm longer.  It will still be tight to fit though, so the tool will be ideal.

[Lord Voltermore]

If there is any possibility the new belt might fail in service because its  too long (or too short) maybe carry the old one as a spare  . It could potentially save you being stranded somewhere for hours/overnight  while a new belt is obtained. 

Back in the old days  it was not uncommon to carry a brand new fan belt as a spare  (or use  nylon stockings as a temporary replacment)  .    But if my old belt started to show any sign  of deterioration I would fit the new belt as a precaution  and carry the old one as my spare.  Its known to fit. A new one might not.   
 

[embee]

Same strategy here. Whenever I fit a new belt to anything where the old belt is still serviceable,  the old one goes in the boot alongside the spare wheel (remember those?). A tired worn belt is better than a broken new one if you're stuck in the middle of nowhere.

[Keekster71]

Ha ha ha.  You lot must be as old as me, because that is exactly what I was going to do with the old belt! And I also have a proper spare wheel as well, as I cant be doing with a can of glue.  It proved to be the right decision after the wife had a blow out miles from anywhere. 

[Keekster71]

An update for anyone who has to do this job. The INA 1140mm belt went on easy. It was slightly shorter than the stretched original. It probably won’t last as long but it’s within tolerance of the wear indicator. The other belt the 1138mm QH I decided to fit to my own Honda Fit as it’s belt was also the original and 16 years old. That was much more difficult. I used a S shaped 19mm spanner to take the tension off fully and cable tied it to the engine mount. Old belt came off easy. I fitted the new belt around the alternator, crank pulley and AC pulley, the working from the bottom pushed it onto the water pump pulley using a plastic trim tool to help. Then I used a 10mm spanner to turn the pulley and walk the belt around halfway. The wife had to hold the belt onto the alternator pulley at the same time. It was impossible to get the belt fully on the water pump pulley without pulling it off the alternator. So I put the top half of the belt on by turning the crank pulley clockwise, and walking the belt onto the top half of the water pump pulley whilst both of us pushed onto the belt. Worked a treat. I’d happily do it again.