Why can't I shift my A/C compressor in order to replace the belt? Here's why: the oil pan is in the way. Funny, in the Haynes manual (worthless) there is no mention of this obstruction. Is it considered bad to get a belt onto a pulley by "starting" it onto the pulley, and then cranking the motor to yank it into place? This can't be the right solution, and yet, it works with bicycle chains...

On my car there is about a half inch of clearance between the compressor and the oil pan, I don't know if it is enough to change the belt because I've never had to. Do you have a little bit of clearance to work with so it won't stretch the belt too much? I'd try it since taking the oil pan off looks like a PITA.

Yes, it shifts about that much. Maybe I should just go get a longer belt. I can certainly tension it once I get it on, since the tensioner goes like 2 inches in the other direction. I have one supplied by NAPA, which is 12.5mm X 925mm. Why don't I just go get one that's 935mm?? Thanks for your response.

everything will clear on the other side. I'll have to remeber that if I need to change mine in the future.

Go find some who sells conti belts and get the right one. A napa belt will be an "OEM" belt. most the time there the wrong size in one way or another. hth