[mkiv] Serpentine belt continued

[Glen Elliott]

Hi folks

I eventually managed to get the new serpentine belt on but on turning the engine over - efi relays removed - there was a loud crack and the tensioner split right across. The tensioner was very hard to move down but the replacement was a breeze. I removed the old unit, fitted the new and before I fitted the belt, I removed the fan blade to make a bit more room. The path was the same - as per the manual - but it was interesting to compare the two belts - I had ordered the tensioner, some plugs and a new belt from Champion Toyota (Jay Marks) and as usual, the service was brilliant. Four days and the package was delivered to my door in Australia. Quicker than from Sydney!!

The belt I had been trying to fit was a Japanese made 90916-02310 and the replacement, a US manaufactured 90916-A2007. Both of these list as for the Supra but the Japanese made unit also lists as covering the Celica. I compared the 02310 one, after it had been fitted to the subsequently expired tensioner, to the US one and the US one is some 6mm longer and noticeably thinner.
Photos to follow.

With the new tensioner, it was easy to fit and the tensioner arm just moved easily down with a wrench on the idler bolt. It also depressed the way it should when pressure was applied to the belt - the old one hardly moved at all. I will post photos of the stuffed one compared to the new one. The engine is a lot happier though I did have to replace a number of coil lead plugs when changing the sparkplugs - the locking tabs on the clips just crumbled. Can't see why a simple clip should have so many parts. The clip closest to the firewall is a dog to replace - great care is needed with a jeweller's screwdriver to release the metal lock from inside the clip and let the lead, together with the rubber seal, out of the end. The wiring was fine - just the clips were shot.

Anyway, thanks for all the help. I was doing everything right but with a short belt and a jammed tensioner...

Cheers

Glen
TT Australia