Two Quick Questions

[FL911SC]

I have a '79 Targa with the engine out.

1) While ordering parts from our host at the last minute I decided a fan belt would be a good idea. Using description alone, I ordered a 10 x 710 belt (999-192-176-50-M21). When I got home I found I have a 10 x 725 belt. I assume the difference is size. But since there is no such thing as a dumb question (right?), can I use the 710 or do I return it for the 725? Before you answer, let me add that when I removed the fan pully, all 6 shims were on the outside. I would guess that the belt had been stretched over the years which is why this was, but I don't want to assume that. If I use the 710, will I have a better chance of getting the shims on as outlined in the 101 Projects book (5 inside, 1 outside)? If it helps to know, there are no accessories being run. The belt just goes between the crank and alternator.

2) I can't get the belt off of the lower pully. So I started to remove the motor mount bracket (part 930-115-014-00-OEM in the catalog). Does anyone have a tip on how to access the top right-side nut? I can get a socket on it, but not with a ratchet. Because it is recessed, I can't get an open end or box end wrench on it. Any tips?

I know this makes more than two questions, but, I assume (dangerous) that removing this assembly is just a matter of these four bolts. However, when researching this question on the forum, I got the impression that it may be more work than that. I don't want to open Pandora's box, so it just just a simple to remove (less the above nut) and reinstall part?

Thank you.

[HarryD]

I can't help you with questrion one.

Once you remove the upperpulley half, you should have enough slack to slip the belt off of the lower pulley with no futher disassembly(afterall, what would you do on the side of the road?).

Is the belt jammed into the lower pulley? If so, with the top pulley half off, slide the belt sideways to free it and twist to get it to slip off the lower pulley.

[DaddyGlenn]

Originally Posted by HarryD

I can't help you with questrion one.

Once you remove the upperpulley half, you should have enough slack to slip the belt off of the lower pulley with no futher disassembly(afterall, what would you do on the side of the road?).

Is the belt jammed into the lower pulley? If so, with the top pulley half off, slide the belt sideways to free it and twist to get it to slip off the lower pulley.

Sometimes debris can collect under the pulley and stop the belt from dropping down.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by DaddyGlenn

Sometimes debris can collect under the pulley and stop the belt from dropping down.

If that is the case, you should be able to wash it out with a hose. There is a drain hole inthe bottom to allow the water to flow out.

[FL911SC]

Guys,
Thank you for the suggestions. Sometimes, for me at least, just knowing it can be done is the biggest help. So, knowing that I should be able to get the belt off without removing anything else helps. I will start with a vacuum and air hose and try to clean it out. If that doesn't work, I will roll it out and shoot some water through. Once the old belt is off, I should be able to make a pretty good determination whether the new one will work or not.

Again, thank you.

[Porchcar guy]

Not to be smart a**...why not just cut it off if it is the old belt ?

[DaddyGlenn]

Originally Posted by Porchcar guy

Not to be smart a**...why not just cut it off if it is the old belt ?

Doh!!

[FL911SC]

Originally Posted by Porchcar guy

Not to be smart a**...why not just cut it off if it is the old belt ?

I have thought of that. But my thinking was, if I can't get the old one off, then how will I get the new one on? As much as I hate it when a manual says, "... now to reassemble it, do the steps in reverse", I guess that thinking has been ingrained into me.
I am sill curious about removing the engine mount assembly for the purpose of cleaning and painting. Is there more to it than just the four nuts I can see?