Urgent help needed ATI Damper

[gqneon]

I just installed my billet OPGs and crankshaft timing sprocket. I got my new shiny ATI super damper put together and pressed on the crank and my new ARP bolt holding it in. Then I looked at the AC belt and think I might be screwed.

The AC belt on 2015 Mustangs doesn't have a tensioner or way to adjust it. When I got to my disassembly yesterday and got to the AC belt and realized it, I pulled the shop manual from Ford and it says to cut it off and replace it. So I grudingly did and ordered a new AC belt overnighted.

So get this - here's where I need your help - Ford manual says to ZIP TIE the AC belt to the stock dampener and turn it clockwise. ATI Super Dampers don't have big holes to run zip ties through for some nonsense way of installation.

So what do I do? The belt is TIGHT even if I try to get it a third of the way on. I'm going to futz with it and try to guide it on but it's not looking good.

Someone here HAS to have an ATI damper and AC on their car that can lend me a hand or some ideas. This is ALL that's holding me back from finishing up and bolting my new Whipple on tonight - so help a brother out!

:frusty::frusty::frusty:

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[F1scamp]

Zip tie it or use a prybar and turn the motor over to guide it on.

 

[gqneon]

So I had a pretty bad interpretation of what the shop manual was saying, and I didn't realize there was still a hint of useful clearance behind the bottom of the ATI damper and the oil pan ledge below it.

I flattened the belt, rib side facing the way of the pulley, got it over the AC pulley, put about 4' of breaker bar on the dampener and with one hand held the belt to the dampener and simultaneously rotated the engine clockwise.

No s**t. It worked. The new belt had enough give when I flattened it out behind the dampener. It just looked like a good way to rip / nick / tear and later THROW a belt.

But when I did it with the belt flat to the front engine cover (although out of sight behind it) it went on with an appropriate amount of effort.

So for anyone who read this - no pry bar or tools needed - there's more room behind it than it appears from a glance!

Whipple time... ready... go!

 

[Grimace427]

I'm literally doing this in my shop right now for a forum member's car.

 

[gqneon]

I'm literally doing this in my shop right now for a forum member's car.

Awesome timing !

 

[tsloms]

I simply started the belt all the way on the balancer first and then used a screwdriver to pry the belt onto the ac compressor. It was very easy.

 

[gqneon]

I simply started the belt all the way on the balancer first and then used a screwdriver to pry the belt onto the ac compressor. It was very easy.

Makes sense. When I realized there was enough room to fit the belt behind the ATI damper still, it was painless and didn't need any tools. Normally I'd use a ratchet handle or something without edges to walk a belt on an engine, but even the edges of the pulleys are usually sharp enough to nick or dig into belts when you start torquing on them so I was being overly cautious.

My biggest fear was throwing that AC belt and it thrashing the blower belt and being screwed proper on the roadside. It always seems that stuff like that happens in the worst places.

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