EJ22 timing belt replacement problems?

I am trying to get a new timing belt onto this engine so I can swap it into the car (98 2.2 into 96 subaru legacy) and I spent an hour fighting with it and can't get the belt onto the pullies. I have done it several times before, but on engines with the tensioner and pulley as 2 separate parts, this one has a different style tensioner that is all one piece. Has anyone ever had problems with these? I know my hands aren't very strong, but I feel like I'm missing something because I have done timing belts plenty of times without much trouble.

First, compare and ensure the belt is the same length as the old one. Then, get clothspins oe some sort of clamp to hold the belt on the pulleys, then make sure all the slack in the belt is coming along with you (so to speak), then get a friend with another set of fingers, then unbolt one of the idlers, set the belt in place and put the idler back on with the belt already in place.

I find Subs to be tough because of the high number of pulleys and idlers you have to keep track of.

What does the shop manual say?

Toyota tensioners from the late 90's at least need to be compressed in a shop press before you put them back on. You squeeze them down, stick a pin/drill bit in the hole to keep it there, install, pull the pin.

Have you compressed the tensioner? Usually there is a small hole that you can put an allen key into to keep it compressed while you slide the belt on, just make sure to pop it out when you are done.

Adam

Also, if yours has the eccentric style tensioner, you gain movement on it by holding the tension gauge lever against the spring.

The tensioner is pinned, I am not sure what the shop manual says exactly for that type of tensioner, its newer than the manual I have. As far as I can tell the belt is the right length, its very close to going on but not quite. Taking one pulley off is a good idea, I will have to try that and see what happens.