[Vwdiesel] winter hijinks

[Nate Wall]

<<<Also, talking belts...I find that there's inadequate detensioning for
the compressor belt.  To get it on and off the compressor, I start it
with a screwdriver, and walk it on or off the pulley by either
turning the wheel in 5th gear, or pushing the car in 5th gear.
Perhaps you've had the same experience.

You might consider using the VW or Continental belt, if it helps
make your wheels more reliable.

BTW, I tighten so that the altenator pulley just begins to slip if you
try moving the car by turning the altenator.  The belt on the compressor
slips less, as it's a larger belt.>>>

For the A/C compressor belt on the '85 Jetta TD, I use a Gates Green Stripe
that is the closest length to the OEM one. $8 as opposed to $25. Its about 5
MM shorter. Lasts about 60 K miles. Sometimes I can walk the belt onto the
waterpump puller (after on the A/C compressor and crank pulles) w/ a
screwdriver, sometimes I have to remove the waterpump pulley and slip the belt
in the pulley slot and reinstall the pulley. This actually gives me a little
more alternator belt adjustment, but is probally moot, since the alt. belt is
not that long lived.

I tighten the alt. belt when I can turn the alt. pulley backwards w/ one hand
using the cooling fan blades behind the atl. pulley.

--Nate