1986 F250 6.9 belt change

[Reno Lamb]

My innermost belt threw, leaving no alternator or power brakes. So I bought all four belts and started the job tonight.

Alternator and vacuum pump are easy. But the AC compressor is not. I have all bolts loose and the ones that slide in slots are slid as far as they will go. Yes I used the 1/2" ratchet opening. But the old belt is still not loose enough to slip off. And it got late. So tomorrow I could

a) force it, roll it off a pulley with a tool, roll the new one back on, at the risk of damaging it
or
b) loosen up the compressor bolts more fully off its mounts so it moves more freely

Anybody been there done that recently? Which method is best?

 

[Nero]

There's also a bolt on the back that needs loosened up too. It's sneaky.

 

[Reno Lamb]

Thanks, I'll look for that tomorrow. Failing that, I'll remove a bolt or two and let the bracket hang a bit

 

[Reno Lamb]

Welp, I removed the bolts from the sliding adjuster slots and that did the trick.

So if you are reading this in the future, just pull the AC compressor slider bolts out all the way and force the belt waaaay loose with the 1/2" drive socket on the casting.

 

[Austin86250]

Welp, I removed the bolts from the sliding adjuster slots and that did the trick.

So if you are reading this in the future, just pull the AC compressor slider bolts out all the way and force the belt waaaay loose with the 1/2" drive socket on the casting.

It took me TWO YEARS to figure out the 1/2” drive hole was on the ac bracket too it was just full of grease, you could imagine how loose my belt was