want to put on A/C belt. how do loosen the darn thing to tilt it to create slack? Alternator and power steering are simple. what's the right bolt?

70 cutlass 350 rocket.

thanks

 

Loosen the two upper mount bolts (front and rear) and then loosen the bolt under the compressor in front, in the middle of the large plate and brace then slide bottom of compressor in towards block.

 

I've got a 403, but I'm sure it's the same.

In this photo, loosen the two bolts pointed at by the red arrows. The upper one is behind that bracket, but it's there.




Then loosen the bolt pointed at by the yellow arrow in this photo.




The upper bolts are what the compressor pivots on, and the lower one is the one that passes through the slotted piece where the adjustment is made. Once I've got the new belt on, I always tighten this bolt first (yellow arrow) to hold the compressor in place, and then tighten the two upper bolts.

I have found, in general, what you have found, and that is that there isn't as much slack in the compressor belt as you think there should be no matter how much you push the compressor in the direction that should loosen the belt, and you've still got to do a little huffing and puffing to get the belt over the compressor pulley. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but, if so, I've never been able to figure out what.

My experience with the alternator and power steering belts is the same as yours...easy to get on and off. In other words, plenty of movement is available in both units to generate plenty of slack in the belt.

 

Thank you both for taking the time to assist. I'll attack the compressor tomorrow!!