with the tensioner in the 'relaxed' state, should the removal of the serpentine belt still be difficult? in other words, with the spring off, shouldn't the belt get loose enough, making its removal easy?

i am beginning to suspect that my belt is shorter than it needs to be. it is still a chore to remove and install it even with the spring totally removed.

please help if you can. i appreciate it.

1990 350sdl

__________________
Jennifer
90 350sdl

On both OM603 engines I've had, once I pulled the bolt and relaxed the tensioner, the belt had enough slack to remove it. Threading it around all the pulleys and the fan/fan shroud was still a challenge, though.

Jim

__________________
14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

jim,
would you say that after the spring is released there's enough slack on the belt put your finger between the belt and a pulley?

the belt on my car is still quite tight after releasing the spring. so tight that i have to gently pry it out with a screwdriver groove by groove to pop it off.

does it seem normal?

__________________
Jennifer
90 350sdl

Does that vehicle have the original 603.970 engine..........or was it changed somewhere in the past?

The 603.970 takes a 2120mm belt, the older 603 engines (603.960,603.961) take a 2145mm belt.

yes yes yes! the p/o changed the engine with the more 'reliable' one.

i need the longer belt! ha! that's why the alternator bearings kept going out.

a million thanks!!!

__________________
Jennifer
90 350sdl

Yep, I thought I recalled the fact that this vehicle had the older engine. That's certainly your problem.

Have to be careful with the few differences............