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Hmmmm.....If it is the correct compressor, shouldn't the new belt go on reasonably easily?

Thanks.

Mrmerlin

I have a had a few AC belts be very hard to install,
it would take putting them on the AC pulley,
and wrap as much onto the crank pulley,
then turn the crank with a socket to put the belt on the rest of the way.

NOTE you could remove the top mount bolts then put the belt on then refit the top bolts. this might work .
BUT if it looks like this wont work then get a belt that is 5 mm longer,
as the front top compressor mount can snap off if the belt is forced on,
the compressor will hit its stop limit , though a lil bit of belt force will usually work to put the new belt on.

As always retension the belts after 500 miles,
don't do full RPMs till the retension sequence has occurred,
as its possible to throw a loose belt.

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[QUOTE=Mrmerlin;19301098]I have a had a few AC belts be very hard to install,

It's hard for me to wrap my head around this. I wouldn't think Porsche made significantly different sized parts--and they'd have to be quite a bit off to cause this problem? That many belts mis-sized also seems unlikely? I think the parts book indicates there were a couple of different mounts for these S3s? Maybe that has something to do with it?

In any case, the amount of angst involved with trying to drop the compressor, put on the belt, then get the compressor back up and mounted, only to have very little adjustment leeway seems great, compared to just lengthening the belt, which 'should' make it easy to get the belt on AND give me a good bit of to and fro adjustment--in theory. Now to guess how much longer to shoot for!

Thanks again.

Mrmerlin

5mm

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You'd know a LOT more about it than I, but 5mm seems like nothing!

Mrmerlin

OK go 10mm

NOTE a more accurate guess would be had if you could provide a picture on how close you are to having the new belt go on

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MrM, thought I'd try your advice about putting belt on by turning crank, and see how tight it ended up being. Turned out to go on very easily, and adjusting bolt is in ~middle of slot. So problem solved. Still don't understand why compressor won't move far enough for belt to just slip on but guess that's another story.

Putting all belts back on was considerably easier that getting them off (for a change). Maybe one of those things that once you've done it once it makes (some) sense and isn't so daunting.

A/C compressor center moves easily, as did pulley, so now to see what happens with a new belt.

Thanks all, for the advice!

Mrmerlin

make sure to tighten both of the top pivot bolts on the compressor