Finishing off a repair but cannot get the timing belt back on

sternn

I've just replaced the thermostat housing on a Ford Fiesta mk5 (2006). I've put the alternator back on, but cannot for the life of me stretch the timing (or serpentine, not sure the name) belt back on. It's way too tight. Is there somewhere to give some slack? I'm a huge newbie to this...its my first diy job on a car. Tried to look at some videos online but they mainly show more recent Fiestas (mk6). Thanks!

Buford T Justice

Did you slacken the pre-tensioner before you removed the belit in the first place?

Is the replacement belt the same size as the new one?

sternn

Buford T Justice wrote: »

Did you slacken the pre-tensioner before you removed the belit in the first place?

Is the replacement belt the same size as the new one?

Nope, took out the alternator which I moved sideways and naturally slackened the belt so it could be removed off the alternator gear.

barneygumble99

sternn wrote: »

Nope, took out the alternator which I moved sideways and naturally slackened the belt so it could be removed off the alternator gear.

Assuming it’s not the timing belt, I think there’s a spring loaded tensioner on these. Can u post a photo of the side of the engine with the pulleys?

Lucifer

It is most likely a strech fit belt. There is a tool to fit it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr0qYJb3I9o

it can be done without the tool but not usually easy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45GaWXj1u5w

Part number of the belt usually has SF such as 6PK1019SF

Bmw123d

Depends what engine u have. Possibly a stretch belt but also possible that there is a spring loaded tensioner.

greasepalm

When i do thermostat or tb replacement with alternator going to be refitted i fit bottom bolt in a few threads and fit belt on nipping up lower bolt brings the top closer in ,no 3 philips and large waterpump pliers to align and use long bolt with hex top and driver to screw in when aligned then enter second bolt and finally tighten all bolts.

The Continental Op

On some of those ford engines its easy enough. Forgotten exactly how I've done this but if you undo the bolts on the alternator there is a way of fitting the stretchy auxiliary belt without going though all the antics of trying to put it on the proper way.

mickdw

This is mad but in all my years messing with cars, ive never seen or heard of a stretch fit belt until right now.

greasepalm

Well used to them slipping off when trying to fit them.

Cee-Jay-Cee

Is it possible to remove the alternator again, fit the belt onto the pulley and then attach the alternator?

Cee-Jay-Cee

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

Is it possible to remove the alternator again, fit the belt onto the pulley and then attach the alternator?

That’s what I’d be thinking too. If it slid to get the old one off then do the same to get the new one on.