I guess I should have commented this on the other video, some brands include the tool kit with the belt. That's how I got mine. Belt was from napa but I don't remember the brand. Got it for my mom's car years ago and I keep the kit in the glove box so it stays with the car
@@user-ln7of9gs4s Second one is for things outside of work, side projects and multi part videos. I have to stick to the channel theme on my main. Unsubscribed viewers don’t like deviations, so I made the second one for fans and folks that want to see other things. (With the occasional part two placed over here because I have something else scheduled on the main channel. It really hurts views if I post the same job two days in a row)
@@RainmanRayOffDuty then I wouldn’t post bonus videos of car repairs and part 2 of videos from your main channel on your second channel. I found it annoying, I never subscribed to your second channel. It doesn’t make much sense to have part 1 on one channel and then part 2 on another. I get it, if you want to stick to one theme, but stick to the same videos on the same channel. Jumbling them up, it just has me going….🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️🙄 Thanks.
A lot of mechanic channels won’t show this part of the job. My hats off to you as anybody that turns wrenches for a living will deal with these type of issues. Good stuff man👍
Thank you for doing this the wrong way … makes us garage hacks feel a bit better that sometimes jobs go sideways and it all takes way longer than is should.
None of those guys that were standing around there talking about it offer to lend a second hand? Seemed like it would have been easier to have one person pry while someone else tried to put the bolt in.
Whew! Damn son, that was stressful! Felt like I was there with you just waiting to hear the customer ask what was taking so long ? You won in the end, that’s all that counts. It’s the jobs that totally kick your ass and make you work for it, that makes you appreciate all the easier ones. Way to stick it out and get it done so the guy could have AC. Get some well deserved rest.
I 'm a skilled carpenter ,having an edge like all required tools is essential but sometimes I would have to cut out part of front door top header to fit transom! I'm saying you sure have to stick with it great looking back thanks K.
20:55 and wash off all of your blood, sweat and tears!!! Holy crap I was even getting nervous in this one! But you persevered and conquered! YOU THE MAN, RAY!
So impressed. Tired, hot, fatigue setting in big time. Stressed, hurried and mistakes made along the way. BUT (the big but!) You finished the job, you made sure that the end result was working, neat, squared away, and you still did the finishing touches; no left over shmoo on internals and towels applied to shiney surfaces to remove fingerprints. You, sir, are a hard core, first class mechanic.
Another great video Ray. Thank you for showing that even talented people have bad days. "Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it".
The only time I take my stuff in to get fixed is when I don't have the tools, and I know the mechanic does. You have destroyed my faith, but I congratulate you with your persistence and dedication to getting it done. That's why I watch you.
I worked in a R&D Lab for 32 years and had a boss/mentor who use to tell his team, whatever time you think you can do the job in.....double it and you will usually be correct.
Now that's an instructional video. You do a great job of lighting up and showing those hidden bolts. I especially liked the fingers in the running belt part, very exciting. Maybe you did it the wrong way but for all of us that would only have to do that job once in a lifetime and can't afford to buy special tools you are inspirational. Thank you.
Ray, great job bud! I keep hearing you say that failure isn't an option, but you would be incorrect sir. It's ok to fail, but it's never ok to quit! Keep up the great work and videos!
Ray, you are a man apart. If I lived in FL I would drive any distance to have to work on my cars, but for now I live in WA. Thanks for the great instruction on patience.
The engineers strike again! I have seen you install a few stretch-to-fit belts, this one takes the cake. To save whatever they wanted to save by making these belts install that way (without an adjuster) is beyond me. It's a conspiracy to make the mechanic's work harder and buy more tools - maybe? Good job, Ray. I am impressed at your problem solving, even when the job is trying to kick your ass. Thank you for another well done video set.
Man, this is my day anytime I’m doing work on my cars. Since I don’t work on a lot of cars, I don’t have any of the special tools. I’ve been lucky to find loaners at parts stores but there are times when you have to work around it. It’s good to know that even pro’s have the same problems I do. Maybe next time I won’t be a frustrated. Well done.
I absolutely hate stretch belts, but since GM has been using them, I done got the tool to do them. Because I like you, dont like getting my ASS kicked like that. Thanks for posting!
In similar situations I have put a stud in a bolthole to allow me to 'hook' the first bolthole up. Once the other bolts are in you can remove the stud and put a bolt in there.
I feel your pain, for me it was a coolant thermostat, "AH no problem just move this and...", yeh busted knuckles and a hour later with a aching back it was in, for me it was eff you Opel.
I admire your diligence and honesty. We learn from our failures and forget our successes. An "expert" is someone who has made more mistakes at something than the average person!
Highway actually said: "Improvise, adapt, and overcome." (This means you overcome by improvising and adapting, that's why the word order is important) I try to remember that when times get tough which usually happens when working on my car, ha ha.
@@OverlandOne That feeling you get in an “oh shit” moment on-site away from the workshop ,when your skills and only the contents of your tool box will get you out of a hole😂 Especially when the customer is panicking and you don’t know if it can be fixed😮😂
@@PeteCourtier Yes, exactly. Just like when, you finally are able to reach that last bolt that is way down in a very awkward location and you feel it coming loose while you are really straining on the wrench...and that bolt suddenly snaps off!
@@OverlandOne noooooooo😫 That’s a shit feeling 😭😂 Once I started a hydraulic pump with a hose off! Make it stop!😂😂😂 Oil Everywhere! That was my fuck up🤪 And I left the drum of fluid at the workshop. Young and stupid😂
@@PeteCourtier When I was working at my Dad's machine shop and had just gotten my 1st car, I decided to pull it in one of the large bay doors to change my oil without being outside in the snow. I had just finished my night shift and had all the stuff I needed right there. The bung came out, no problems, oil filter swapped out easily, no issues. Went up top and put in 5 quarts of brand new clean oil...went back down to check for leaks before I started it up and...what a mess! I had forgotten to put the bung back in the oil pan and just poured 5 quarts of oil right through the engine. My oil change pan was designed to hold 6 quarts of oil, not 10 so the rest of the oil overflowed onto the shop floor and went everywhere. Took me about 2 hours to clean everything up after doing this "simple" job. Plus, I had no more oil so I had to call for a ride to the auto parts store to get more. Good way to learn though because all these 48 years later, I have NEVER forgotten to replace the oil pan bung ever again, ha ha.
As soon as iwas done watching this video I looked on Amazon for the stretch belt tool. 😀Good to see they aren’t that expensive. My father has an 08 outback so I will order one just to have in case I need to help him. Or if he goes to the garage to get the belt replaced and the mechanic doesn’t have one It will be in the car.
They're cheap, and usually the place that supplies the belt has the tools in stock as well. I don't know why he didn't order one when he ordered the belt?
I looked that tool up. If I saw one in a toolbox without having done that search, I would assume it was a piece of mechanical leftovers and toss it, it is that simple a tool.
@@MrSloika When a consumer gets an auto part, they typically go to the parts place to get it. When a mechanic at a shop gets a part, it is ordered by phone or internet, and delivered. If the mechanic does not think to ask for the tool, and the parts place assumes (often correctly) that a mechanic would already have the tool, it might never come up as a question.
I COULD REEEEEE you to pieces on this video but, I've been there and done that. So props for improvisation to complete the task and I won't call out the REEEEEE for starting bolts with power tools OR finishing that final bracket while the car was running, nope not me. I also won't say anything about some other things I saw.👍😁
I love the fact that despite of it all, you still did not skip any steps. I had my 2017 civic's condenser replaced (a warranties item), just to find a few broken bumper clip broken, a few missing bumper bolt missing (that I had to go fetch from the dealerships tech) and one of my fog light not plugged in. That being said, yes...F Susie's and mad prop for still doing the right job.
WOW DUDE! i feel for you brother! ive been in those situations where NOTHING cooperates , good job on not giving up for the day. i dont know why but when you bolted on the compressor the belt popped in my mind? your a trooper ,great job!!
Hope this helps either you or others. If you find yourself without a stretch belt tool and one of the pulleys you need to install it on has an opening all the way through (crank or accessory) you can zip the the leading edge of the belt to the pulley and slowly crank the engine over by hand, possibly adding another zip tie as the belt moves and it will pull itself onto the pulley. Then just snip the zips and off you go. This is actually the service procedure on a certain ford engine for the power steering pump. But It works in many others
Damn, I was leaning in my chair and clenching just trying to help you line up those bolt holes 😆. I've had jobs/days like this one, don't miss them one bit. You handled it far better than I ever did, well done Ray! 👍
Everything is also a lesson learned. If you didn't learn anything than you're not getting better. Great job on working around the issue and making it work.
It is a part of learning..... And there are cars that are poorly designed wrt maintenance. It is fun to see others work through difficult situations. Don't let it get you down.... Have a great day.
Geez, Ray! Even I wouldn't have put that belt shroud on w/ engine running, and I'm the guy who sticks his hand in a freewheeling clutch fan. I'm impressed!
The whole time I had the big voice from those terrible reality car shows in my head..."Will he make the deadline, or will he lose money and his self respect. Watch and see on this episode of Rainman Ray". Seriously, great job without the right tools....Signed, Its happened to me too.
Don’t sweat it, Ray, the job is done. All these special tools are a nightmare, especially designed for going to the dealership anyway, got nothing to do with your skills aaaaaand you solved the problem in spite of this. Nice job 👍
That Subaru uses a Stretch Fit belt which is a one time use belt designed to be cut off for removal and not reused. The special tool costs $25-$30 and makes instillation a quick job. Stretch Fit belts have a SF ending the part number.
I agree with you about the FU Subaru! Nice that you chose to show the tough side of wrenching. We've all had that bear of a job and the customer is waiting. Thanks for being enough of a dedicated professional to see it through. Hopefully the customer appreciated it. If not, just know we appreciate you showing this side of the job.
Ray, for under $30/set (Craftsman) you can get magnetic socket inserts that will hold your fasteners instead of using the towel method. Or, you can buy/borrow a magnetizer and do all of your sockets. This is much faster than using the towels. Of course, if Snap-On sells those inserts, I am sure they will be $500/set ha ha.
Ah the joy of working on a vehicle that some engineers designed that had no idea of how to repair or service anything. I've always said that all the design engineers should have to take their vehicles apart and reassemble them.
Omg this video stressed me out and I would have used the BFH to put that compressor in place and put a hole in the valve cover. Your videos are awesome because you deal with the problems that every mechanic runs into and the exact reason why I pay a mechanic to work on my truck.
What a beating, saw a bunch of mistakes, no oil on the O rings, no flushing of the A/C system no receiver drier replacement. Here in TX no parts warranty without all those steps performed, could have left the rear bolts on the compressor bracket threaded enough to allow some movement ( as in up and down ) but great job in overcoming it.
This reminded me of my friend Tim and I working on his Mom's Saab. To remove the linkage from the automatic transmission there was a snap ring that was recessed in a small tunnel. Tim and I tried using screwdrivers to remove the snap ring. We tried for about an hour. Tim had the Saab manual and he looked the the special tool we needed. He said "We neened special tool A287". He found a small piece of copper tubing, cut out filed it like the picture. He slid the tool on the cable gave it a turn we heard a click and the linkage released. Sometimes you just need that special tool to get the job done.
Have you ever known a Service Writer to have turned wrenches before he/she got that job? That's what always pissed me off doing mechanic work cuz the customer is sitting in there waiting for the job to be done and you're under pressure. That's what causes so many screw-ups!!
Subaru tend to run a bit high on the high side that looked good to me. and as i stated in the first video the filter dryer may be a but blocked causing it to be a bit high. and yes i belt tool is kind of a must grin. I loved this video and i bet every one learned just how much fun it is to work on a Subaru.
My house mate's Subaru has a bad air HVAC compressor and he will try to solicit my assistance when he replaces it. After watching Ray's struggle with this one, I'll pass on it.
This is like therapy. Fired my Renault up after doing its timing belt and water pump job today. Ran perfectly, no leaks, all good. Accessory belt tensioner was a bit noisy though - felt ok by hand, but no matter I’ll throw the good spare on it. Didn’t notice when i was putting the accessory belt back on again and releasing the tensioner it had moved 2 notches inwards on the crank pulley while i was faffing about getting it over the compressor pulley. So that made a scary noise on start up and sprayed a lot of rubber dust everywhere. Inside of the accessory belt looks worse, but it caught the outside edge of the timing belt and shredded it. Guess I’m doing the timing belt job again! Could have been worse, the timing belt didn’t break!!
As an owner of a WRX I have had to replace that stretch belt without the tool because the belt was pretty shot. You can install that belt with the compressor fully bolted in place so that you don't have to fight with those bolts. I think it took me about twenty minutes with a fat flat tip screw driver to do the install. (Yes I know that is not the correct way to do it but it worked) I hope that helps for future reference if you don't have the stretch tool. I also want to say that I in no way mean for this comment to come off as intended to be disrespectful or anything of that nature. If you know ahead of time about the tool I would definitely recommend that you get it as it saves so much frustration and time.
What a nightmare, the 3 worst things, crap job, end of the day fatigue and the customer waiting. Like all these sorts of jobs a good feeling going home knowing it was eventually a success and you don't have to face it tomorrow. I fealt your pain Ray.
My friend worked at a Subaru dealership for just over a year. He got tired of pulling engine to replace head gaskets. Went to work for a small independent shop. Loves his job with the understanding between him and the owner that he won’t work on Subarus
I have done jobs the hard way before because I didn't have the right tool for the job. A 5 minute installation turns into a1 hour nightmare. Now I do my research BEFORE I start the job.
I've been a shade tree mechanic(jokiing) for alittle over 20yrs and seeing your videos makes me laughs bc I've been and still have to deal with the same stuff as u do... as u call the customer and car manager every nast word u can think of!!!
Hey for not being a Subie specialist you did pretty good! I'm not a specialist by a long shot, but I do have step by step instructions and tool list to do everything on my Subie!
I looked up that belt tool and it wasn't at all what I expected. Many years ago I had a belt tightening tool that looked like two curved pieces of metal that went between the pulleys and were connected with a threaded rod and a turnbuckle. Haven't seen one since JC Whitney gave up the catalog business. Good job on a nightmare project!
If you have to do it again, start with the far back bolt. It pulls everything else back in line, a "little" easier. Had to do this on the side of the road a couple times and learned the hard way the first time as well.
To go back in time, PT 1 just click HERE. th-cam.com/video/v3ninzz2ZTE/w-d-xo.html
I guess I should have commented this on the other video, some brands include the tool kit with the belt. That's how I got mine. Belt was from napa but I don't remember the brand. Got it for my mom's car years ago and I keep the kit in the glove box so it stays with the car
Found your vids few weeks back and believe I have just a out watched them all! Keep the vids coming!
Can you explain why you have two channels????
@@user-ln7of9gs4s Second one is for things outside of work, side projects and multi part videos. I have to stick to the channel theme on my main. Unsubscribed viewers don’t like deviations, so I made the second one for fans and folks that want to see other things. (With the occasional part two placed over here because I have something else scheduled on the main channel. It really hurts views if I post the same job two days in a row)
@@RainmanRayOffDuty then I wouldn’t post bonus videos of car repairs and part 2 of videos from your main channel on your second channel. I found it annoying, I never subscribed to your second channel. It doesn’t make much sense to have part 1 on one channel and then part 2 on another. I get it, if you want to stick to one theme, but stick to the same videos on the same channel. Jumbling them up, it just has me going….🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️🙄 Thanks.
A lot of mechanic channels won’t show this part of the job. My hats off to you as anybody that turns wrenches for a living will deal with these type of issues. Good stuff man👍
Even if you don't turn wrenches for a living. Really good.
Thank you for doing this the wrong way … makes us garage hacks feel a bit better that sometimes jobs go sideways and it all takes way longer than is should.
It's all Part Of It!
None of those guys that were standing around there talking about it offer to lend a second hand? Seemed like it would have been easier to have one person pry while someone else tried to put the bolt in.
Flat rate guys don't want to help with anything,, the 10 mins it takes to help is almost a set of brakes, or another job 1/2 done.
Welcome to the world of flat rate.
I was saying the same thing.....nice guys. Not!
I think they were already off the clock because Ray said way before he was done it was closing time and they sound like a bunch of goobers anyway.
A come along on the lift could have worked too
The School of hard knocks is a great teacher, often not repeated.
He was a successful failure. Sounds like me, if there is one thing I'm a success at its failing.
At the moment I am working on replacing totally rusted gas lines on a blazer. About as failure-prone as it gets.
Whew! Damn son, that was stressful! Felt like I was there with you just waiting to hear the customer ask what was taking so long ? You won in the end, that’s all that counts. It’s the jobs that totally kick your ass and make you work for it, that makes you appreciate all the easier ones. Way to stick it out and get it done so the guy could have AC. Get some well deserved rest.
You took the words right out of my mouth. That's exactly what i was going to say. Great minds think alike.:}
That was one of your best videos that I've watched I felt the pressure.
Gotta love that ending "oh nice and shiny fuck you subaru"
I 'm a skilled carpenter ,having an edge like all required tools is essential but sometimes I would have to cut out part of front door top header to fit transom! I'm saying you sure have to stick with it great looking back thanks K.
I haven't seen a transom in a house in about 60 years
20:55 and wash off all of your blood, sweat and tears!!! Holy crap I was even getting nervous in this one! But you persevered and conquered! YOU THE MAN, RAY!
So impressed. Tired, hot, fatigue setting in big time. Stressed, hurried and mistakes made along the way. BUT (the big but!) You finished the job, you made sure that the end result was working, neat, squared away, and you still did the finishing touches; no left over shmoo on internals and towels applied to shiney surfaces to remove fingerprints. You, sir, are a hard core, first class mechanic.
Another great video Ray. Thank you for showing that even talented people have bad days. "Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it".
Thank you I love that experience is something you don't get until just after you need it so true
The only time I take my stuff in to get fixed is when I don't have the tools, and I know the mechanic does. You have destroyed my faith, but I congratulate you with your persistence and dedication to getting it done. That's why I watch you.
I worked in a R&D Lab for 32 years and had a boss/mentor who use to tell his team, whatever time you think you can do the job in.....double it and you will usually be correct.
Now that's an instructional video. You do a great job of lighting up and showing those hidden bolts. I especially liked the fingers in the running belt part, very exciting. Maybe you did it the wrong way but for all of us that would only have to do that job once in a lifetime and can't afford to buy special tools you are inspirational. Thank you.
I admire your intestinal fortitude. Nice work.
Thank you for the blue towel tip to secure bolts/buts inside of sockets.
A quick wrap of masking tape will work also.
Never used a piece of towel. That is a great tip
Ray, great job bud! I keep hearing you say that failure isn't an option, but you would be incorrect sir. It's ok to fail, but it's never ok to quit! Keep up the great work and videos!
Its only a fail IF you quit and dont learn something in the process😊
This repair had me on the edge of my seat the whole while.
Felt ur pain the whole way through this one, really appreciate the honest way you present ur content. Keep up the great work man👍
Ray, you are a man apart. If I lived in FL I would drive any distance to have to work on my cars, but for now I live in WA. Thanks for the great instruction on patience.
The engineers strike again! I have seen you install a few stretch-to-fit belts, this one takes the cake. To save whatever they wanted to save by making these belts install that way (without an adjuster) is beyond me. It's a conspiracy to make the mechanic's work harder and buy more tools - maybe? Good job, Ray. I am impressed at your problem solving, even when the job is trying to kick your ass. Thank you for another well done video set.
Man, this is my day anytime I’m doing work on my cars. Since I don’t work on a lot of cars, I don’t have any of the special tools. I’ve been lucky to find loaners at parts stores but there are times when you have to work around it. It’s good to know that even pro’s have the same problems I do. Maybe next time I won’t be a frustrated. Well done.
Not all victories are beautifully executed. Congrats. You won!!
I was all stressed out about that bolt that you almost forgot.
I looked up that tool. Watched this lady put the belt on in about 2 minutes.
Smart ass.
I absolutely hate stretch belts, but since GM has been using them, I done got the tool to do them. Because I like you, dont like getting my ASS kicked like that. Thanks for posting!
In similar situations I have put a stud in a bolthole to allow me to 'hook' the first bolthole up. Once the other bolts are in you can remove the stud and put a bolt in there.
A stud with a screwdriver slot cut into it for removal even if it is down in the bolt hole.
I keep old Screwdrivers with ground down shafts of different thicknesses for this job.
Just makes life a bit easier
I feel your pain, for me it was a coolant thermostat, "AH no problem just move this and...", yeh busted knuckles and a hour later with a aching back it was in, for me it was eff you Opel.
I'm stressed just watching this, I empathize with all that you're doing!
I admire your diligence and honesty. We learn from our failures and forget our successes. An "expert" is someone who has made more mistakes at something than the average person!
As Gunny Highway would say “Improvise, overcome, adapt”
Great job 👍
Highway actually said: "Improvise, adapt, and overcome." (This means you overcome by improvising and adapting, that's why the word order is important) I try to remember that when times get tough which usually happens when working on my car, ha ha.
@@OverlandOne That feeling you get in an “oh shit” moment on-site away from the workshop ,when your skills and only the contents of your tool box will get you out of a hole😂
Especially when the customer is panicking and you don’t know if it can be fixed😮😂
@@PeteCourtier Yes, exactly. Just like when, you finally are able to reach that last bolt that is way down in a very awkward location and you feel it coming loose while you are really straining on the wrench...and that bolt suddenly snaps off!
@@OverlandOne noooooooo😫 That’s a shit feeling 😭😂
Once I started a hydraulic pump with a hose off! Make it stop!😂😂😂 Oil Everywhere! That was my fuck up🤪 And I left the drum of fluid at the workshop. Young and stupid😂
@@PeteCourtier When I was working at my Dad's machine shop and had just gotten my 1st car, I decided to pull it in one of the large bay doors to change my oil without being outside in the snow. I had just finished my night shift and had all the stuff I needed right there. The bung came out, no problems, oil filter swapped out easily, no issues. Went up top and put in 5 quarts of brand new clean oil...went back down to check for leaks before I started it up and...what a mess! I had forgotten to put the bung back in the oil pan and just poured 5 quarts of oil right through the engine. My oil change pan was designed to hold 6 quarts of oil, not 10 so the rest of the oil overflowed onto the shop floor and went everywhere. Took me about 2 hours to clean everything up after doing this "simple" job. Plus, I had no more oil so I had to call for a ride to the auto parts store to get more. Good way to learn though because all these 48 years later, I have NEVER forgotten to replace the oil pan bung ever again, ha ha.
As soon as iwas done watching this video I looked on Amazon for the stretch belt tool. 😀Good to see they aren’t that expensive. My father has an 08 outback so I will order one just to have in case I need to help him. Or if he goes to the garage to get the belt replaced and the mechanic doesn’t have one It will be in the car.
They're cheap, and usually the place that supplies the belt has the tools in stock as well. I don't know why he didn't order one when he ordered the belt?
I looked that tool up.
If I saw one in a toolbox without having done that search, I would assume it was a piece of mechanical leftovers and toss it, it is that simple a tool.
@@MrSloika When a consumer gets an auto part, they typically go to the parts place to get it.
When a mechanic at a shop gets a part, it is ordered by phone or internet, and delivered.
If the mechanic does not think to ask for the tool, and the parts place assumes (often correctly) that a mechanic would already have the tool, it might never come up as a question.
Ahh that Subaru cranking sound. Been in my life since 1997 and it never gets old!
I COULD REEEEEE you to pieces on this video but, I've been there and done that. So props for improvisation to complete the task and I won't call out the REEEEEE for starting bolts with power tools OR finishing that final bracket while the car was running, nope not me. I also won't say anything about some other things I saw.👍😁
I love the fact that despite of it all, you still did not skip any steps.
I had my 2017 civic's condenser replaced (a warranties item), just to find a few broken bumper clip broken, a few missing bumper bolt missing (that I had to go fetch from the dealerships tech) and one of my fog light not plugged in. That being said, yes...F Susie's and mad prop for still doing the right job.
F subie
A good mechanic knows how to overcome obstacles. Great job.
WOW DUDE! i feel for you brother! ive been in those situations where NOTHING cooperates , good job on not giving up for the day. i dont know why but when you bolted on the compressor the belt popped in my mind? your a trooper ,great job!!
Well done Ray, you are human 👏 👍🏽, you stuck to it and never gave up, Well done you.
Hope this helps either you or others. If you find yourself without a stretch belt tool and one of the pulleys you need to install it on has an opening all the way through (crank or accessory) you can zip the the leading edge of the belt to the pulley and slowly crank the engine over by hand, possibly adding another zip tie as the belt moves and it will pull itself onto the pulley. Then just snip the zips and off you go. This is actually the service procedure on a certain ford engine for the power steering pump. But It works in many others
Iv done that on my Chevy just bump it and it goes into place
I was sitting through the first part happy as hell, that I never got a subaru as my daily. Insanely good job man!
Wait until you have to do spark plugs on one.
Nice to see even the best of the best struggle like I do on almost every DIY car repair. You're The Man Ray!
Damn, I was leaning in my chair and clenching just trying to help you line up those bolt holes 😆. I've had jobs/days like this one, don't miss them one bit. You handled it far better than I ever did, well done Ray! 👍
Yes I've had jobs like this too it's even more fun when you have the big dogs blowing smoke up your butt
That's the difference between a good mechanic and a great one. Great ones know how to do it when they dont have the right tools.
Such a great feeling when you finally stop f*cking it up worse and the pieces start falling into place like you know what you're doing. Well done.
Well Done Ray. This is why I don't do my own truck repair work..... at least not on anything newer than the early 70's.
Anybody born before 54 should not work on anything made after 74
I like the torque wrenches, really quality job going hours past shop time and tapping new threads in that sweet aluminum
I'm frustrated just watching you. Great job, and not losing your cool.
Damn Ray Subaru got you. Right tools for the right job. You did it though very impressed. Miller Time!!!
Everything is also a lesson learned. If you didn't learn anything than you're not getting better. Great job on working around the issue and making it work.
It is a part of learning..... And there are cars that are poorly designed wrt maintenance. It is fun to see others work through difficult situations. Don't let it get you down.... Have a great day.
Geez, Ray! Even I wouldn't have put that belt shroud on w/ engine running, and I'm the guy who sticks his hand in a freewheeling clutch fan. I'm impressed!
I stuck my hand in clutch fan last week. th-cam.com/video/JxkWzIQLcGY/w-d-xo.html
@@RainmanRayOffDuty Yeah, but you cheated! You used a rubber hammer... I just use my fingers, and I still have all 8 of them! j/k, it's 10.
Really well done against all odds, conscientious and attention to detail too.
The whole time I had the big voice from those terrible reality car shows in my head..."Will he make the deadline, or will he lose money and his self respect. Watch and see on this episode of Rainman Ray". Seriously, great job without the right tools....Signed, Its happened to me too.
Now that’s how you do mech work. Never quit never surrender! Good job!!
Don’t sweat it, Ray, the job is done. All these special tools are a nightmare, especially designed for going to the dealership anyway, got nothing to do with your skills aaaaaand you solved the problem in spite of this. Nice job 👍
That Subaru uses a Stretch Fit belt which is a one time use belt designed to be cut off for removal and not reused. The special tool costs $25-$30 and makes instillation a quick job. Stretch Fit belts have a SF ending the part number.
Your an inspiration to us all! "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."
This is better than some of my shade tree mechanic adventures. With me, it's usually not just one special tool I'm missing.
I agree with you about the FU Subaru! Nice that you chose to show the tough side of wrenching. We've all had that bear of a job and the customer is waiting. Thanks for being enough of a dedicated professional to see it through. Hopefully the customer appreciated it. If not, just know we appreciate you showing this side of the job.
Ray, for under $30/set (Craftsman) you can get magnetic socket inserts that will hold your fasteners instead of using the towel method. Or, you can buy/borrow a magnetizer and do all of your sockets. This is much faster than using the towels. Of course, if Snap-On sells those inserts, I am sure they will be $500/set ha ha.
Must be frustrating to have to repeat such work. Excellent video. Thanks.
My back is killing me watching you go through this one. I mean it, I'm all tensed up.
You can see how good you are at the fact despite all the obstacles you got it done at a reasonable time frame
hmmmm...the postive terminal battery cover was left off...but it might not have been on when the car arrived. That belt tool is like 12 bucks.
Your dealing with frustration with patience truly shown. Well done Ray. Time for a cold snack or three. Woop Dee Do for the FUBARU!
Reminds me of my grandaughters chevy aveo, doing the timing belt and water pump. ONE BOLT!!! held me up for a whole day!
Ah the joy of working on a vehicle that some engineers designed that had no idea of how to repair or service anything. I've always said that all the design engineers should have to take their vehicles apart and reassemble them.
"Serviceability" should be part of what is taught in engineering school but they do not for some reason.
Really like how your coworkers left you hanging
bro i was so sad that guy coulda helped a little with prying and then he would be able to use both hands to line up the bolts :(
Omg this video stressed me out and I would have used the BFH to put that compressor in place and put a hole in the valve cover. Your videos are awesome because you deal with the problems that every mechanic runs into and the exact reason why I pay a mechanic to work on my truck.
Love and totally understand the BFH reference
@@michaelearl6991 we used them quite frequently on our Navy ship.
I use the 'blue towel in the socket' trick all of the time. It's probably the hack that has saved me the most over the years.
I have never heard of a tensionerless drive belt...leave it to Subaru to do it. A great job all in all...Keep up the great work Ray!!
What a beating, saw a bunch of mistakes, no oil on the O rings, no flushing of the A/C system no receiver drier replacement. Here in TX no parts warranty without all those steps performed, could have left the rear bolts on the compressor bracket threaded enough to allow some movement ( as in up and down ) but great job in overcoming it.
One of my favorite quotes at times like these, "I'm not going to let this sucker beat me"
Got it done without breaking anything. Thumbs up 👍🏼
you never know what to expect before doing the job. job well done
This reminded me of my friend Tim and I working on his Mom's Saab. To remove the linkage from the automatic transmission there was a snap ring that was recessed in a small tunnel. Tim and I tried using screwdrivers to remove the snap ring. We tried for about an hour. Tim had the Saab manual and he looked the the special tool we needed. He said "We neened special tool A287". He found a small piece of copper tubing, cut out filed it like the picture. He slid the tool on the cable gave it a turn we heard a click and the linkage released. Sometimes you just need that special tool to get the job done.
That's why I worked as a tool and die maker if we didn't have a special toll I made it
I can't believe the Service Writer would tell a customer it's ok to wait on a compressor job. You may have needed special parts not in stock.
Have you ever known a Service Writer to have turned wrenches before he/she got that job? That's what always pissed me off doing mechanic work cuz the customer is sitting in there waiting for the job to be done and you're under pressure. That's what causes so many screw-ups!!
Subaru tend to run a bit high on the high side that looked good to me. and as i stated in the first video the filter dryer may be a but blocked causing it to be a bit high.
and yes i belt tool is kind of a must grin.
I loved this video and i bet every one learned just how much fun it is to work on a Subaru.
My house mate's Subaru has a bad air HVAC compressor and he will try to solicit my assistance when he replaces it. After watching Ray's struggle with this one, I'll pass on it.
you are one of the best. a lot of mech would have given up! addicted to your video `s
This is like therapy. Fired my Renault up after doing its timing belt and water pump job today. Ran perfectly, no leaks, all good. Accessory belt tensioner was a bit noisy though - felt ok by hand, but no matter I’ll throw the good spare on it. Didn’t notice when i was putting the accessory belt back on again and releasing the tensioner it had moved 2 notches inwards on the crank pulley while i was faffing about getting it over the compressor pulley.
So that made a scary noise on start up and sprayed a lot of rubber dust everywhere. Inside of the accessory belt looks worse, but it caught the outside edge of the timing belt and shredded it. Guess I’m doing the timing belt job again!
Could have been worse, the timing belt didn’t break!!
That was a hard one, I was knackered just watching ,Well Done .
As an owner of a WRX I have had to replace that stretch belt without the tool because the belt was pretty shot. You can install that belt with the compressor fully bolted in place so that you don't have to fight with those bolts. I think it took me about twenty minutes with a fat flat tip screw driver to do the install. (Yes I know that is not the correct way to do it but it worked) I hope that helps for future reference if you don't have the stretch tool. I also want to say that I in no way mean for this comment to come off as intended to be disrespectful or anything of that nature. If you know ahead of time about the tool I would definitely recommend that you get it as it saves so much frustration and time.
What a nightmare, the 3 worst things, crap job, end of the day fatigue and the customer waiting. Like all these sorts of jobs a good feeling going home knowing it was eventually a success and you don't have to face it tomorrow. I fealt your pain Ray.
Awesome job, no other mechanic's video shows the failures and how to recover from them
My friend worked at a Subaru dealership for just over a year. He got tired of pulling engine to replace head gaskets. Went to work for a small independent shop. Loves his job with the understanding between him and the owner that he won’t work on Subarus
I’ve always said “I’ll work on anything once, next time I’ll know better.”
I'm 68 and the only vehicle I ever owned with a failed head gasket was my Forester.
Bless your heart, again. And thanks for sharing the struggle so maybe we wont!
Right before "safety third" popped up, you had me wincing for sure.
It's more of a challenge to repair a car while it's running.
You will be 100% "safety first" with the Sword of Damocles hanging over you.
I have done jobs the hard way before because I didn't have the right tool for the job. A 5 minute installation turns into a1 hour nightmare. Now I do my research BEFORE I start the job.
I do my research before I turn down a job! (Retired) :)
Experience is the best teacher. Next time you do this job it will go way smoother.
This is my opinion. In the end the customers AC worked. Total win. Nobody ever said the pathway to success is the easy path.
We're all human and forget things sometimes. you got it done anyways and that's what counts. Great videos
I've been a shade tree mechanic(jokiing) for alittle over 20yrs and seeing your videos makes me laughs bc I've been and still have to deal with the same stuff as u do... as u call the customer and car manager every nast word u can think of!!!
Good Man U never leave a customer hanging
Thanks for the towel in a socket trick never thought of that, thanks
The belt for the AC on my Subaru started squealing at the end of summer, I will be ready with the proper tool in the spring, thanks!
I feel for you so bad. I’ve been in similar out of hours situations. So sweet to see that first bolt thread in.
Great job man...
Hey for not being a Subie specialist you did pretty good! I'm not a specialist by a long shot, but I do have step by step instructions and tool list to do everything on my Subie!
Lessons well learned young one. Great job
I looked up that belt tool and it wasn't at all what I expected. Many years ago I had a belt tightening tool that looked like two curved pieces of metal that went between the pulleys and were connected with a threaded rod and a turnbuckle. Haven't seen one since JC Whitney gave up the catalog business. Good job on a nightmare project!
If you have to do it again, start with the far back bolt. It pulls everything else back in line, a "little" easier. Had to do this on the side of the road a couple times and learned the hard way the first time as well.