Has anyone had the problem I've encountered today whilst trying to fit a new A/C belt to a TownAce (1990 CR21 engined model)?
Having slackened off the tensioner and removed the belt from the lower pulley,I found that the top of the belt would not pass over the upper pulley because there is insufficient gap between the top of this pulley and the bottom of the fan pulley (directly above it).
The gap between the two is only a few millimeters and means the removal of either the upper A/C pulley or the fan pulley.
I tried removing the upper A/C one by taking out the large central retaining bolt,but the thing just wouldn't budge,despite some hafty leverage.I then turned my attention to trying to remove the fan pulley,but this simply turned and couldn't be held in place as there's no holes to allow a bar to pass through to stop it rotating.
The result is that I've managed to replace the power steering and alternator belts, but have had to leave the old A/C belt in place.
Can anyone help please,as I have no idea how old this belt is and am intending to take the TownAce on holday in May and obviously don't want to be without A/C. - (#2250) Simon Green, 17 Feb 02

Don't know about the earlier single-belt versions, but on the 1991-types, there's no problem. What upper pulley do you refer to? there should be a crank pulley, an a/c pulley, and an idler at the bottom... - (#2253) david miller, 18 Feb 02

David,
I'm referring to the crankshaft pulley (the double drive wheel which powers the A/C belt and the PS pump).
You mention the 'earlier single belt version'.Does this mean the CR21 engine changed after 1990?, because on mine there are three belts (A/C compressor to cranksaft, alternator to fan and PS pump to crankshaft)all of which are single belts, the PS and A/C compressor belts both being driven off the crankshaft.
If I'm unable to change the belt without specialist tools, would one of the emergency split belts suffice? or would there simply be to much tension for it? - (#2294) Simon Green, 20 Feb 02

David,
Ignore my last on the subject of the emergency belt for use on the A/C system.I've just found exactly the same query on the BoK. - (#2295) Simon Green, 20 Feb 02

You don't need any special tools, and yes there was a change around 1990- the alternator belt changed to two identical belts side by side. - (#2304) david miller, 21 Feb 02

Hi Simon, haven't been to this site for about 3-4 weeks & have just read about your problem, if your still stuck, e-mail me directly & i'll tell you how to change all your belts as i've recently done it to my Masterace, same set up as yours with the three belts etc.
Tony - (#2473) Tony Lloyd-Jones, 9 Mar 02