- 10mm wrench
- 13mm wrench
- Flat-head screwdriver
- New fan belt
- Pliers
- Funnel
- Coolant
- Rags
- Safety goggles
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Prepare the Vehicle:
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down.
- Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to ensure the engine will not start accidentally.
- Open the hood and locate the fan belt.
2. Drain Coolant:
- Drain some of the coolant from the radiator to create some space for the fan belt.
- Place a container under the radiator drain plug to catch the draining fluid.
- Remove the radiator drain plug using a 13mm wrench.
- Allow the coolant to drain until the fluid level is just below the fan belt.
3. Remove the Old Fan Belt:
- Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the nuts holding the fan pulley.
- Slide the fan pulley away from the engine to loosen the tension on the fan belt.
- Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the fan belt from the pulleys.
- Be careful not to drop the bolts or the washers when removing the fan belt.
- Remove the old fan belt and set it aside.
4. Install the New Fan Belt:
- Hold the new fan belt in place around the pulleys.
- Use the flat-head screwdriver to help guide the belt onto the pulleys.
- Ensure that the belt is evenly seated on all the pulleys.
- Slide the fan pulley back into position and tighten the nuts using a 10mm wrench.
5. Tighten the Fan Belt:
- Use a 13mm wrench to turn the fan pulley counterclockwise until the tension is correct.
- The proper tension is achieved when the fan belt can be twisted 90 degrees with moderate pressure using your fingers.
- Tighten the fan pulley nuts securely to hold the belt in place.
6. Refill the Coolant:
- Once the fan belt is installed and tightened, replace the radiator drain plug and tighten it securely.
- Use a funnel to pour the drained coolant back into the radiator.
- Add more coolant if necessary to bring the fluid level back to normal.
7. Test the Fan Belt:
- Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
- Inspect the fan belt for any signs of slipping or misalignment.
- Listen for any unusual noises coming from the belt or the engine.
- If everything seems to be in order, reconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
- Close the hood and your 1968 VW Beetle is now ready to go!
