AC Belt Install Tool Won't Work - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

RickGM · 08-28-2019, 04:33 PM

I've got a Europe spec Gen 5 2012 L99 with a thrown AC belt. There's no way the supplied tool to fit the belt will work. There's a bracket and an electrical component between the block and the pulley at the top which will prevent the tool from rotating with the crank pulley. Can anyone confirm if the belt could be fitted on to the crank pulley and then fed onto the AC pulley whilst rotating the crank.
Alternatively would a slither of wood (same width as the pulley) placed between the belt and the crank pulley at the top be used. Don't want to damage the new belt, they can't be sourced in the UK and have to come from your side of the pond.

LsxDoctor · 08-28-2019, 04:40 PM

I've never used a tool.
First I slide the belt over the balancer so its between the balancer and the timing cover.
Place belt on AC pulley
Place the belt on the top of the balancer as much as I can with my left hand
Turn the balancer with a breaker bar with the right hand while guiding the belt into the balancer with my left hand.

G8One2 · 08-28-2019, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LsxDoctor

I've never used a tool.
First I slide the belt over the balancer so its between the balancer and the timing cover.
Place belt on AC pulley
Place the belt on the top of the balancer as much as I can with my left hand
Turn the balancer with a breaker bar with the right hand while guiding the belt into the balancer with my left hand.

Yes, what he said^^^ Be sure to roll the belt onto the damper and NOT the A/C compressor. If you roll the belt onto the compressor, there's a chance you could damage the compressor's clutch by bending or tweaking it. There is a set air gap needed for the A/C clutch to operate, bending or tweaking it by rolling a belt over it can cause you more headaches you dont want to deal with.

Rons1le · 08-28-2019, 05:16 PM

I use the tool was the only way I could get the belt on. It goes in the groove on the crank pulley right where the belt goes not at the back not at the front. Went on slick as snot with the tool in the grooves. There's a few YouTube videos of how to do it.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Bo White · 08-28-2019, 06:52 PM

Yep I never use one. Just get it started and spin the crank over and guide it on.

RickGM · 08-29-2019, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rons1le

I use the tool was the only way I could get the belt on. It goes in the groove on the crank pulley right where the belt goes not at the back not at the front. Went on slick as snot with the tool in the grooves. There's a few YouTube videos of how to do it.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

There is no space for the body of the tool to pass when it's placed on the pulley at the top and the pulley rotated - believe me!.

johndm · 08-29-2019, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickGM

There is no space for the body of the tool to pass when it's placed on the pulley at the top and the pulley rotated - believe me!.

Recently bought belt and tool

Does not work as youtube videos as tool will not rotate as fouls on electrical connection.

Belt must not be over stretched or it's junk. Ended up popping into one of my helpful local garages who said 'stretch belts are a pain in the ass', took three guys half an hour to get it on, but it was their first Camaro 🙂

GRNFLSH · 08-29-2019, 06:22 AM

I’ve tried the tool and ran into the same clearance issue you described, ended up rolling it on as described by LsxDoctor. Have done 3 like this with no issues afterwards.

lazerlemonta · 08-29-2019, 06:55 AM

LOL I have used a no tensioner system on both of my cars for the whole front of the motor. I dont use a stretch belt I use the proper size get it started have someone ready to start the car and hold a nice flat edge pry bar against the belt and start the car. Done.

RickGM · 08-29-2019, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lazerlemonta

LOL I have used a no tensioner system on both of my cars for the whole front of the motor. I dont use a stretch belt I use the proper size get it started have someone ready to start the car and hold a nice flat edge pry bar against the belt and start the car. Done.

Not sure I'd want a bar anywhere near to rotating belts and pulleys 😱

lazerlemonta · 08-29-2019, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickGM

Not sure I'd want a bar anywhere near to rotating belts and pulleys 😱

Better then fingers lol You cant turn the crank on a c6 with the pulley bolt due to the rack being a half inch away from the crank pulley

RickGM · 08-30-2019, 11:36 AM

Modified the tool which came with the belt (hacksawed it in half) and literally got it on in 5 minutes single handed (didn't remove the air intake either - no need). Only problem is the belt wasn't sitting right on the AC pulley (school boy error on my part). Managed to gently lever it over whilst rotating the crank. Job done.

Bo White · 08-30-2019, 03:42 PM

Usually takes me seconds to put one on.

MPrento84 · 08-31-2019, 07:45 PM

You can also use a zip tie right through the crank pulley to hold the belt in place while you rotate it, works like a charm then snip it off

08-28-2019, 04:33 PM	#1
RickGM Drives: 2013 SS V8 L99 Magnusson Heartbeat Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South Leicestershire, United Kingdom Posts: 888 View My Garage	AC Belt Install Tool Won't Work I've got a Europe spec Gen 5 2012 L99 with a thrown AC belt. There's no way the supplied tool to fit the belt will work. There's a bracket and an electrical component between the block and the pulley at the top which will prevent the tool from rotating with the crank pulley. Can anyone confirm if the belt could be fitted on to the crank pulley and then fed onto the AC pulley whilst rotating the crank. Alternatively would a slither of wood (same width as the pulley) placed between the belt and the crank pulley at the top be used. Don't want to damage the new belt, they can't be sourced in the UK and have to come from your side of the pond. __________________ UK Camaro Owner. One of a few.

08-28-2019, 04:40 PM	#2
LsxDoctor 15 Year LS1Tech Member Drives: 2010 ss 391ci LS3 Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 252	I've never used a tool. First I slide the belt over the balancer so its between the balancer and the timing cover. Place belt on AC pulley Place the belt on the top of the balancer as much as I can with my left hand Turn the balancer with a breaker bar with the right hand while guiding the belt into the balancer with my left hand. __________________ GJDM

08-28-2019, 05:16 PM	#4
Rons1le Drives: 2015 Camaro 2SS RS 1LE AGM Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Galion, Oh Posts: 531 View My Garage	I use the tool was the only way I could get the belt on. It goes in the groove on the crank pulley right where the belt goes not at the back not at the front. Went on slick as snot with the tool in the grooves. There's a few YouTube videos of how to do it. Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk __________________ 2015 2SS RS 1LE NPP/w Kooks headers, Procharged, ID1050X injectors, Katech belt tensioner, Mighty Mouse Catch Can, BMR subframe connectors, Matco driveshaft loop, AEM Wideband/Boost/Fuel gauges , Z/28 Splitter and Spoiler/w Wicker bill, Power Stop rotors and brake pads, MRR Z/28 Rep Wheels 20" w/p zeros 285 fronts and 305 rears, ZL1 addons Rock guards and Tow hook, Rear window louvers, Flags on the quarter windows and the moonroof, Billet aluminum door handles.

08-29-2019, 06:22 AM	#8
GRNFLSH Drives: 2015 Camaro 2SS Green Flash Edition Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: NW Arkansas Posts: 200	I’ve tried the tool and ran into the same clearance issue you described, ended up rolling it on as described by LsxDoctor. Have done 3 like this with no issues afterwards. __________________ Kooks stepped headers & Solo XL Cat-back ADM CAI w/race scoop & Rotofab w/w relo GPI VVT SS1 cam and CNC ported heads milled .30 BTR .660 springs, Straub solid bushing trunions GPI rod-mod intake with I-M heat sheild Circle D 258mm Pro single disc 3700 rpm stall converter 169F thermostat & manual fan switch Tuned by Ryno at GPI - 455 RWHP / 416 lb-ft

08-29-2019, 06:55 AM	#9
lazerlemonta Drives: 2010 C6 1LT Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 877 View My Garage	LOL I have used a no tensioner system on both of my cars for the whole front of the motor. I dont use a stretch belt I use the proper size get it started have someone ready to start the car and hold a nice flat edge pry bar against the belt and start the car. Done. __________________ 2010 C6 JET STREAM BLUE BOLT ONS TO THE EXTREME, GPI 281cc HEADS, Darth_V8r SPEC CAM, FAST 102 INTAKE, CRANK SCRAPER, QUARTER MASTER 7.25" CLUTCH, RPM 3.90 STAGE II DIF, Z51 Gear Set AND E85 Best ET 10.58 @ 131.8 stock heads and stock cam 453/445 SAE 10.62@134.82 GPI 281CC Heads, SS4 Cam and X1 Intake Best 1/8 6.80@105.75 Best MPH 134.82

08-28-2019, 06:52 PM	#5
Bo White Drives: 2015 Summit White 2SS 1LE Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Vance Alabama Posts: 8,018	Yep I never use one. Just get it started and spin the crank over and guide it on.

08-30-2019, 11:36 AM	#12
RickGM Drives: 2013 SS V8 L99 Magnusson Heartbeat Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South Leicestershire, United Kingdom Posts: 888 View My Garage	Modified the tool which came with the belt (hacksawed it in half) and literally got it on in 5 minutes single handed (didn't remove the air intake either - no need). Only problem is the belt wasn't sitting right on the AC pulley (school boy error on my part). Managed to gently lever it over whilst rotating the crank. Job done. Attached Images __________________ UK Camaro Owner. One of a few.

08-30-2019, 03:42 PM	#13
Bo White Drives: 2015 Summit White 2SS 1LE Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Vance Alabama Posts: 8,018	Usually takes me seconds to put one on.

08-31-2019, 07:45 PM	#14
MPrento84 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 50 View My Garage	You can also use a zip tie right through the crank pulley to hold the belt in place while you rotate it, works like a charm then snip it off