Can't Get Timing Belt On...

I'm wrestling with my first timing belt change on a '95 Taco with 3.4 V6. I've done this before on Volvos and Subarus, so it's familiar territory. Everything has gone smoothly, using all Toyota parts, except now when I go to put the new timing belt on, I just can't get it on. The tensioner pin is still in, so it has full slack and the belt still seems too tight. It's like a need it to stretch another half inch or so. I tried putting the belt on and then installing the tensioner idler pulley, but that didn't work. Now with both idler pulleys installed the belt just won't go on. I tried threading it tight on the left side and stretching it over the water pump pulley, and I tried threading it tight on the right side and stretching it over the tension pulley, but I just can't get it on. I don't have the strength of a gorilla, should it be this hard? Are there any tricks to get it on? The belt is part number 13568YZZ03, I'm pretty sure it's the right belt for a '95 3.4 V6.

 

When I did mine my buddy took off the roller in between the two camshafts and it seemed to help just enough to slip the belt on in the correct position. Truthfully it's just difficult sometimes and it's why people get paid to do it too (as my mechanic friend told me) so just keep at it.

 

I've changed the belt on Lexus & Camrys & always had to remove that center pulley he's talking about above^

 

With all the marks lined up, I've had to bend mine up a bit so the edge of the belt just starts on the lower idler and then push it on. I think you're supposed to avoid twisting the belt at all but like you say, it's tight without the tensioner on. It takes some finger strength.

 

X2. I did this as well. Take that top middle roller off, place it at an angle with the bolt resting on the hole with the belt looped over, take your ratchet and wedge it up straight tightening the belt, and CAREFULLY start the threads. If you feel any resistance on the bolt, back it off to get the threads started correctly. voila