Re: Replace SPICA Belt W/O Removing Crank Pulley

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@xxxxxx>]

Here's a copy of an email I sent a friend last week, about how to replace 
the Spica belt.  If your engine is out of the car, just turn the crank 
pulley counterclockwise, instead of rolling the car backwards.

Next time you have to replace the water pump, instead of removing the 
pulley, just remove the two bottom water pump studs.  When installing the 
new pump, use bolts to replace the missing studs.

Regards,

Dean

**************************************************************************************************
The easiest way to remove the old belt is by slicing it, after you've got 
the timing marks aligned. Don't worry if the pump pulley turns, but don't 
let the engine rotate. Double-check that the 'I' mark on the crankshaft is 
aligned to the timing pointer. Threading the new belt onto the crankshaft 
is harder to describe than it actually is, and once you've done it the 
first time, you'll see that it's not too bad. I begin with the belt turned 
inside out, and start on the top side of the pulley, threading it edgewise 
through the opening on front engine cover. It helps if everything is really 
clean, and it's easier if the car doesn't have all the usual parts, like 
the sump guard, fan shroud, etc., but they can all be worked around. Once 
the belt is on the crankshaft, align the pump pulley and start trying to 
install the belt on the top side of the pulley. It'll be very tight, won't 
stretch, and you can't use any tools.

The trick is to put the car in gear, and roll it. Use your right thumb to 
hold the belt tightly on the pulley, and roll the car by grabbing the 
wheel/tire with your left hand. Roll the car backwards with the gearbox in 
5th, and watch as the belt threads itself into place. I've seen and tried 
other methods, like removing the pump pulley, using lubricants on the 
pulley, etc., but this way works like a charm, although it does require a 
good "feel" for what's going on. If you feel the belt slip even a little on 
the pump pulley as you're beginning to roll the car, you'll have to start 
over. The maximum error allowed is 1/2 tooth, and getting the belt off, if 
you have to try again, is actually much harder than getting it on. Might as 
well replace the fan belt, too, as it will have to come off to get the 
Spica belt on. Have fun, and ask if you've got any questions.
*************************************************************************************************


At 11:59 AM 6/15/2003, you wrote:

> Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2003 01:43:14 EDT
> From: Caxambu@domain.elided
> Subject: Replace SPICA Belt W/O Removing Crank Pulley
>
> Is it possible to replace the SPICA pump belt without removing the crank
> pulley? I think I did remove the crank pulley the last time I changed the 
> belt but
> that was because I was changing the water pump at the same time. 1750, pusher
> fan. Also, is the "I" mark on the crank pulley accurate? (SPICA timing mark)
> What is the recommended change interval for these belts? The one on there
> looks good but I figured I ought to change it while I have the SPICA 
> pulley/belt
> cover off.
>
> - --Caxambu
> 1969 Spider Veloce 1750
> Seattle WA
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