How to change generator belt when you have AC belt in the way

[69porsche]

I have a 85 coupe stock 911....I just had AC whole nine yards installed after it was removed years ago by previous PO's

Question: How do you change the generator belt if it needs to be changed if you have the AC belt in the way? Beside cutting off the AC belt -is there another way-85 manual does not go into it-
Thanks

[Mark Salvetti]

You need to bring enough supplemental tools with you to make sure you can loosen the compressor to free up the AC belt while at the side of the road.

I have a small plastic tool box that I fill with sockets, a ratchet, extensions, combination wrenches, screwdrivers, and hex bits. My car doesn't have a tool kit, so I have to make up my own. I had a half-shaft come loose once, and I actually had the tools with me to put it back on.

Mark

[RSTarga]

Remove your AC belt install generator belt, reinstall AC belt

[69porsche]

Originally Posted by Mark Salvetti

You need to bring enough supplemental tools with you to make sure you can loosen the compressor enough to free up the AC belt while at the side of the road.

I have a small plastic tool box that I fill with sockets, a ratchet, extensions, combination wrenches, screwdrivers, and hex bits. My car doesn't have a tool kit, so I have to make up my own. I had a half-shaft come loose once, and I actually had the tools with me to put it back on.

Mark

Many thanks Mark- I will have to reexamine it closely tomorrow and update my tool kit

[Arne2]

On my former '84 Carrera, I tested what I needed to carry by attempting to change the alternator belt in my garage, but using only the tools in the tool kit. If I had to use a tool from the toolbox, I added such to the toolkit. I seem to recall that all I absolutely needed was a ½" wrench, although a ½" socket, extension and ratchet made it easier.

[DaveMcKenz]

Yes. No problem. Loosen the a/c belt by releasing the compressor mounting. No need to worry about refrigerant charge. Remove a/c belt. Now change alternator belt. Simple tools and wrenches plus alternator pulley wrench.
Good luck,
Dave

[69porsche]

Thanks all for the input! Time to update my tool kit to accommodate loosening the AC bracket—- like mentioned I carry a socket wrench with extender for the generator belt but need to focus on AC bracket loosening and practice that process

[GH85Carrera]

One thing I will add, anytime I take my fan belts off, I replace them with new. The alternator belt is a weird size, and the belts from the local FLAPS is not quite right. It will work, but not ideal.

Go ahead and order a Porsche branded or good German belt, and keep it in the car at all times, like a spare DME relay.

I am one of the weird people that actually drive my 911 on long roads trips. My goal is to dive in all the "lower 48" states, and Canada. I have been to 42 states, and did Canada several years ago. I will drive to Key West this summer. I keep my 911 in top condition, and try to do anything possible to keep from any issues on the road. Replacing those belts often, long before failure, is cheap, and easy in the home garage.

[stevej37]

I'm surprised no-one has posted the easiest-fastest method.

[69porsche]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

One thing I will add, anytime I take my fan belts off, I replace them with new. The alternator belt is a weird size, and the belts from the local FLAPS is not quite right. It will work, but not ideal.

Go ahead and order a Porsche branded or good German belt, and keep it in the car at all times, like a spare DME relay.

I am one of the weird people that actually drive my 911 on long roads trips. My goal is to dive in all the "lower 48" states, and Canada. I have been to 42 states, and did Canada several years ago. I will drive to Key West this summer. I keep my 911 in top condition, and try to do anything possible to keep from any issues on the road. Replacing those belts often, long before failure, is cheap, and easy in the home garage.

Thanks for the help and advice-best of luck on your travels!

[DaveMcKenz]

Originally Posted by stevej37

I'm surprised no-one has posted the easiest-fastest method.

Nice video, Steve. If I was drunk enough, I might just try that.
Thanks, really,
Dave

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by stevej37

I'm surprised no-one has posted the easiest-fastest method.

Steve,

This procedure may work with the VW bug motors. But please don’t even think of doing this with your 911 motor unless you want to lose some of your fingers or worse mangle you arm. No one in a right state of mind would consider taking this risk. Only a fool would do it. This is like playing a Russian roulette.

Tony

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by boyt911sc

Steve,

This procedure may work with the VW bug motors. But please don’t even think of doing this with your 911 motor unless you want to lose some of your fingers or worse mangle you arm. No one in a right state of mind would consider taking this risk. Only a fool would do it. This is like playing a Russian roulette.

Tony

Anyone with common sense would know better.
Lighten up...it was meant to be unique.

[DaveMcKenz]

Originally Posted by stevej37

Anyone with common sense would know better.
Lighten up...it was meant to be unique.

Yeah, I knew you were not endorsing the technique. I was also not endorsing the technique when drunk. That said, I guess there are people who might think it's a legitimate method since it's on the internet. I hope people use judgment on all suggestions here, and elsewhere.
Thanks for showing what some people do. The picture of the truck being serviced while tilted on its side propped up with 2x4's comes to mind.
Dave

[69porsche]

Okay-can anyone power point some arrows on a AC bracket to show me the bolts I need just to loosen it up while i slip the AC belt off and change the alternator belt----not feeling like this is something I need to take to my shop. Thanks

[darrin]

Gordon: This thread should give you all the info you need on the ac bracket/compressor First time fan belt replacement

[69porsche]

Originally Posted by darrin

Gordon: This thread should give you all the info you need on the ac bracket/compressor First time fan belt replacement

Darrin-Many Thanks-it gives me a blueprint and what to look for when tightening up the belt!
Gordon

[MBAtarga]

I wouldn't recommend it in any case, but that quick belt change video technique won't work when the AC compressor is in place with a belt, which is what the OP asked.

[shadowjack1]

I carry the right tools, but. If on the road side, hot and at night. I will cut the A/C belt, (carry an extra) then replace the A/C belt later. Just my 2 cents.

[69porsche]

Originally Posted by shadowjack1

I carry the right tools, but. If on the road side, hot and at night. I will cut the A/C belt, (carry an extra) then replace the A/C belt later. Just my 2 cents.

I am the same way but I am in town, but like you have no hesitation to cut the AC belt if necessary...after all who needs AC when you are air cooled!