Guys, any immediate help would be greatly appreciated. I've know for a month or so that the bearing in the pulley on my smog/air pump was going bad. Today, it finally just locked up. Won't turn at all.

Not feeling like spending the money ($1,000 or so) on my 91 190E 2.6 w/ 178k I've decided to just remove the pump and put on a shorter belt (the one for the 88 190E 2.6 will fit, I'm told).

I can NOT get the last bolt out that holds the smog pump on. It is the one on the bottom closest to the engine and beside where the hose connects. I don't think there is anyway I can get it from the top. Tomorrow (and I have to have this finished by mid-afternoon) I will jack the front right up, set it on a jack stand, remove the wheel and see if I can get it from the bottom.

QUESTIONS:
1. Will I be able to get to that bolt from the bottom? Better suggestion?
2. Experience with a new, shorter belt. This belt is evidently 6 1/2 inches shorter (88.5 vs 95) and that appears about right, just eyeballing it.
3. Putting on the new belt and tightening the belt. I'm just learning on the belt tensioner deal, but think I have it straight. Anyway, I have concerns that I'll be able to get the new belt on A) Correctly, and B) on, due to tightness. Any suggestions?
4. What are the best ways to plug the hose that used to be attached to the pump? What to do with the wire/connection that goes into the top of the pump? I may reinstall a smog pump when I find one, but for now this will have to do.

Thanks, I'm heading out in the early a.m. to do this and need some answers.

__________________
1994 C280, dark green metallic
105k miles

1991 190E 2.6, Black
191,500 miles
(sold to another forum member)

2003 Chevy Tahoe LT, Redfire Metallic
105k miles

1989 Mustang GT Cobra Convertible
43k miles