do i really have to take EVERYTHING apart just to change this freakin belt?

 

if u dont, then engine will do it... piston rings may stay on place

 

theres no easier way?

 

Lots ppl think that just drivin is the easy way out. uh.

The belt is warranted 60k/5yrs. This is general, and has wide errormargin. Some tell they drive 15yrs before engine is destroyed, who knows how far one can get? I drive very little, cold/north, so I plan to stretch 'my 5yrs' but I wont recommend this to anyone: I have tightened the belt one yr later as I have added a service hole for it into the cover. The slack from stretching is the main reason why belt jumps/snaps.

The VGE as most engines have a spring loadded roller. No source (!?) tells this, but releasing the roller lock hex nut, releases the spring which causes beautifull exact tension on the belt. The service is: Just loosen, tighten. Maybe this is too cheap $ervice...

Open top screws, bend/pry cover ajar, test how much loose slack there is. 20lb downward force should bend half inch... now you may know how fast belt needs action.