'87 4kq: alternator belt change

[Mark J. Besso]

I really didn't know it was a technique used by anyone else. (Been surprised 
by the number of similar responses)  My logic, if that's what you want to 
call it, was that seating the belt in the larger pulley gave it more contact 
area for 'traction' to pull it onto the smaller pulley.  If you start by 
seating the belt in the alternator pulley would you turn the engine over via 
the crankshaft nut or the alternator nut?

If there's a reason or benefit to starting with the smaller pulley I'd love 
to learn why.  It sure wouldn't be the first time I was proven wrong and I 
doubt it'll be the last.  ;-)

Personally, I've never been a fan of using the starter to draw a belt into 
the pulleys.  If you do it by hand with a breaker-bar or ratchet you can 
always stop if the resistance seems like too much.  Once you turn that key 
you have to potential for causing damage to the alternator, belt, mounting 
brackets, etc.

~Mark


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John Larson"
Subject: Re: '87 4kq: alternator belt change


> Mark said:  "Try seating the belt in the larger of the two pulleys and 
> start it on the
> smaller one.  With a large breaker-bar, or ratchet, you can turn the 
> engine
> over and that should rotate the belt into place."
>
> That's contrary to accepted (and proven) technique.  Install the belt on 
> the smaller pulley, get it started on the larger pulley, and turn the 
> engine to roll it on.  Always turn the engine in the direction in which it 
> runs to avoid potential timing belt problems.  John
>