P80 serpentine belts Conti Volvo 2021

Post by **abscate** » 10 Nov 2021, 06:42

I’ve had trouble fitting 4 Conti serp belts on pre 1999 p80s this summer

In each case , with the tensioner pinned in full release position , I was unable to install the belt over the power steering pulley ridge with strong hand pressure or even using a wooden dowel as a pry tool.

Last job I had owner buy both the Volvo and the Conti and the Volvo was tight but easier.

I have actually had to remove the tensioner ideally in GrunHilde , install the belt , then work the tension back into place around the belt

Is this normal for the -1998s?

I spent an hour trying to mount the Conti belt last time

Afterwards , here is how the Volvo tensioner rides , can some 1998s take a pic of the tensioner and post here please ?

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 10 Nov 2021, 12:22

abscate wrote: ↑10 Nov 2021, 06:42 Afterwards , here is how the Volvo tensioner rides , can some 1998s take a pic of the tensioner and post here please ?

It is a new belt. The tensioner will move down as the belt gets broken in.

1998 C70 with Continental belt , 18,000 miles.

Post by **erikv11** » 10 Nov 2021, 12:53

I have owned several 95-98 and changed several serp belts on them. Most were difficult/tight to install but I never had to pry with a lever. I can remember one I did after head work that was easy, slipped right on; it was memorable because it was so easy. I've bought almost exclusively Conti though I remember I once picked up a Dayco locally so that I didn't have to wait for mail order.

Post by **scot850** » 10 Nov 2021, 14:56

I can honestly say I have never found them easy to fit. They are usually a challenge to fit.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 10 Nov 2021, 19:53

I’m probably spoiled by the 1999 version which is really easy.

Post by **manovlov** » 11 Nov 2021, 11:35

Yo,

Ifight some many times with these f*cking belts.. Finally, the easiest way was to install the belt and finish by the part designed by the red arrow : it goes as in a brief !

Manov

: 850 serpentine belt installation.jpg (159.75 KiB) Viewed 636 times

Post by **erikv11** » 11 Nov 2021, 14:16

For sure, idler pulley is the last one on

Post by **abscate** » 11 Nov 2021, 15:17

Of course. If you fit ps last you have to stretch past both the pulley lip and the depth of the ribs. MAybe I should look up the actual procedure

Post by **Nevada1906** » 12 Nov 2021, 21:36

You too?

I bought a new Continental belt, 9186352, and used the recommended new routing. I never did get that damn belt on the engine. Fought with it for half an hour before tapping out. Even with the tensioner prybar'd over onto it's hard stop, I swear that belt's an inch-and-a-half too short.

Post by **Clemens** » 13 Nov 2021, 15:52

abscate wrote: ↑11 Nov 2021, 15:17 Of course. If you fit ps last you have to stretch past both the pulley lip and the depth of the ribs. MAybe I should look up the actual procedure

No, don't refer to the manual. The noble manly way is to fight till the end. For no reason whatsoever.