HELP!! Replacing alternator and can't get belt back on!

[VNWagonNZ]

I'm totally new to Holdens - been working on cars on and off for a few years. The alternator in my 3.8 VN wagon has died - took it out - no big deal, but now I can't get the belt back on.

I've never had a problem on any other car - normally there is an adjuster to move one of the tension pulleys - but I can't for the life of me figure it out on this car... either I'm a total retard or its been a very long day.

After managing to remove the supercharger, replacing some gaskets and also the rocker cover bolt seals, reinstalling the supercharger - I'm pissed that something as simple as getting a belt back on is so hard!

How do I slacken the tension on the belt so I can get it back on?

Cheers

[xcop5l]

the top pully is spring loaded just get a 15 mm spanner on it and pull it up

[VNWagonNZ]

Cheers... I'll give it a go in the morning.

I've had a crap weekend - car died while towing a tandem furniture trailer about 50km from home (luckily managed to coast down the hill to an offramp!)

[Doctor Bob]

VN has an 18mm bolt

[VNCalais98K]

The spring on mine was really quite tight, and also being right in the middle of the bonnet, theres no easy way to lean into it..
I guess the general point of what im saying is watch your back, dont burst a disc trying to pull it up. haha.

[savage1987]

VNCalais98K - 'The spring on mine was really quite tight, and also being right in the middle of the bonnet, theres no easy way to lean into it..'
I just take the fan out - takes 2 minutes. Then you climb into the bay with your feet on the sway bar down the bottom there and the belt tensioner is a breeze
Handy thing with the VN Executive V6 - plenty of room in front of the engine!

Hope it helps
Sammy B

[holden#1]

just one other thing, make sure you have the belt going the right way around the pulleys! Holden should have put a sticker under bonnet with a belt threading diagram!

[VNCalais98K]

Holden should have put a sticker under bonnet with a belt threading diagram!

its in the manual.

[holden#1]

its in the manual.

problem is not everyone carries there manual with them!

[smokey_dj]

or got one with the car when getting it second hand from a ###n holden dealership with a very reputible history to customers :S

[VNCalais98K]

Ok. I guess im lucky.
It would be a really good idea if someone could scan up the manual and post it here as a PDF or something.