Thread: Well this is embarrassing. Can't get the drive belt back on!

Never done a 300Tdi but they usually turn in the tightening direction.LOL.

Another way would be to see which way it has to turn by offering up the belt and pry the pulley with a screwdriver or other suitable lever . It should move against a strong spring preload.
Regards Philip A

Thanks for that, it worked.
The manual said turn it clockwise to relieve tension on the belt when taking it off. I just assumed that you did the same when putting it back on. I tried going the other way, but when it didn't move, I left it becuase i didn't want to strip threads.

LOL is right.

are you sure you are turning the correct bolt? there is one which attaches the mechanism to the block and another in the centre of the tensioner pulley

Originally Posted by trobbo

are you sure you are turning the correct bolt? there is one which attaches the mechanism to the block and another in the centre of the tensioner pulley

As per the manual I was turning the one in the centre of the pulley. The book said to turn it CW to untension the belt when taking it off, and reverse the procedure to put it back on. I didn't take it literally enough (ie. turn the bolt CCW)

Baden Powell must be turning in his grave