Problem putting on new Honda Spree belt

[duckcove]

Any tricks or steps that you have used to put on a new Spree belt? I have put on a Gates and reinstalled the original belt after I was disappointed with the Gates belt so I guess I've installed 2 belts with no problem. However, the new Honda belt which I just received is difficult. I've expanded the driven pulley with the help of my wife and set the new belt as deeply as I could and placed it on the shaft. I'm trying to stretch the belt so I can get it around the drive shaft and mount the outer plate into the splines but I'm having a difficult time with it. Please give me some tips to make this job a little easier. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, duck

[eliteguy50]

Can you get the outer plate on the shaft at all? If so, do that and rotate the crank while pushing on that plate, it will continue to work its way on from the inside slack on the belt. Or, squeeze the belt harder by hand to give it some more slack.

[duckcove]

Finally got it on and what an improvement while driving! I had my wife pull on two strings I looped inside the belt about 1" apart which gave me plenty of space to put the front plate on the splines. The belt was stretched foward towards the front wheel. For others, this is a one man job but not for me. duck