Hotpoint dryer

Anybody had to put a new belt on a T14 dryer?
I'm told it's a tight fit, but the entire (semi dismantled) chassis is bucking under the strain of trying to get this belt over the motor pinion. That can't be right can it? I'm backing off 'tll someone can help me
I promise my next thread will be about beer... sorry pentax

Presumably the old one has broken so length comparison is going to be difficult?

Normally these belts have numbers on them which give their length, width and depth. Any clues there?

If it's the right number !..try putting it in hot water for 5 min's!......Ken

Most belt driven mechanisms, like your cars alternator, usually have a means of adjustment. This is often just a captive nut on a bracket, through which one of the retaining bolts pass. adjusting this will move the motor closer to whatever the other end of the belt must go round. Once the belt is on, thr bolt or screw is turned to increase the distance and tighten the belt. Is there anything that looks like an adjuster under the motor assembly?

If it's the multiple V belt ( poly V ) then there is no stretch in the belt by design.
So there's probably an adjuster hidden away under the motor, or you have to slacken the motor securing bolts, and fit the belt. Tightening the bolts tightens the belt. I've seen that method on some appliances.

Usually the motor mounted on a pivot which is sprung loaded normally by a tension spring. When the old belt goes the motor tends to flick out of it's normal position as it is no longer held there by the belt tension.
I had to replace our Zanussi condenser belt recently and it was like this, it can be confusing.
Maybe worth Googling to see if any other kind sole has put a step by step sequence together with hopefully some pictures

Best of luck!

Thanks guys, I knew you'd have some top tips.
I got summoned away for more important duties so still haven't got to the bottom of it yet

loosen motor mounts and you should be able to get it together and then tighten it up.
I seem to recall having trouble with a Sears unit that should be similar if not identical.

Right, well, the official advice is: warm the belt in hot water (thanks Ken), Put your foot on it and give it a good stretch ,
and use a copper pipe slid over the pinion as a lever.
Good ol' Hotpoint - what a marvelous design

Definitely no adjustment anywhere, I'll slacken the motor screws too.
I guess this was an economy model

Right! once more unto the breech dear friends....