Homer

Hey FOlks,

Been awhile since I have done the belts, if I am just changing the belts and a roller or 2, do I HAVE to remove the pulley on the crank to change the belts? I saw a reference somewhere that you can get the belt on without it? Anyone have a quick answer? I have a fly wheel lock etc, just want to make it as painless as possible.
Anytime you don't have to reef on that bolt is a good day :-)

jmporsche944

I took mine off when I did the job. My plan was originally too just try to slip the belt by the pulley, but that didn't work, So i ended up putting the flywheel lock on. I have also heard you could do that, but I didnt feel it was worth it to risk the belt.

Homer

thnxs..I'll give it a go and see if it looks possible!!

Porsche-O-Phile

Go down to Home Depot and spend $12 on two 2' lengths of black pipe and a threaded coupler. Instant 4' breaker bar. The crank pulley bolt doesn't stand a chance. Have fun.

The 2' pieces are better than a single 4' piece cause then they fit nicely into a standard toolbox.

pikey7

I have never taken off a crank pulley in my life. And i've done 4 belt changes, and an engine swap!

njwilser

I found no need to remove crank pully or lock the crank when I did the belts on my 85/1.
MW

Porsche-O-Phile

How'd you get the rear timing cover off? Note: for a belt / roller change only you don't need to get it off, for a water pump you will.

pikey7

I suppose I've never changed a waterpump either then

Seriously, I found the if you wanna get the rear cover off, then going at it with a drill around the outside of the crank pulley, and then pulling off the cover (so as to break it where you drilled it!), then chopping out the leftover ring is easier, and doesn't leave the belts any more exposed to the elements. (IIRC, it's been a while since my last belt job)

Porsche-O-Phile

Hahaha! I suppose that works too. I've also seen someone just say "screw it" and sawzall that sucker in half. Not bad really - two piece rear t-belt cover.

pikey7

I must admit though, i've never done it with the engine IN the car. My PO had done it on the original engine, I just never realised until i was changing engines over. As soon as i saw it, out came the drill.

Legoland951

I don't take the crank pulley off and I have done about 100 timing belts. It takes practice not to flex the belt too much but with finesse, you can get it in with no problems unless you are changing the water pump or doing the seals.

Granite 944

I've replaced the cambelt in the car without removing the crankpulley also. But it is a snug sideways fit, so put it over the crank sprocket first, be carefull and clean the area, and don't beat up the belt doing it, and you should be just fine. I have so far. AFAIK, the only time you really NEED to remove the pulley is when your going to do the crank seal, or waterpump replacement at the same time. But, I also have the flywheel lock, and 3/4" drive breaker bars and sockets, AND leverage pipe (like Jeff) just for this, and other jobs.......like rear bearings.....just since I don't like to hurt myself, car, OR break my under rated for the job..... tools (1/2" drive tools). I've already broke my back, and enough tools.

Jfrahm

With an S2 you need to take the pully off (in case some S2 people are reading this.)

-Joel.

tod84944

Same as above. When I'm not changing the pump or the seals on the balance shafts', I don't take the pulley off. Just make sure the only tools you use to get it in there are your fingers!!! A screw driver can turn out to be a very expensvie mistake!!!

Homer

Y'all,

Thanks for the replies..no problem at all getting the belt onto the gear, if you start from beneath on the PowerSteering pump side, it slips right in, a bit of wiggling gets it in. No risk to twisting or damaging the belt that I could see. Now, if I could only find the lock nut for the tensioner I dropped!! I cleaned up the inside of the belt housing and cleaned and inspected the rollers, tensioners. I was replacing the cam belt tensioner anyway. I think the bolt might have slipped into the fan shroud, but I didn't see there or on the floor...I hate when that happens!!