Thanks to ALL of you I was able to successfully change the front oil seals, timing belt, water pump, accessory bushings (all of them), thermostat and radiator hoses.

I was trying to install a set of Continental drive belts (I got from Groton).

I even went so far as to remove th alternator adjusting bracket. I pushed the alternator until it would go no further but the belts seemed about 4 mm short. They would not even go around the first pulley, much less to the inside. I never tried the PS or AC. I just figured they were all that difficult. I know new belts are tight and should be, but are they supposed to be that tight? I have a 1988 volvo 244.

the belts they gave me are:

V-Belt Set BEC-145-010918
PS Belt BEC-145-010850
AC Belt BEC-145-040975

If these are the correct belts, anything I can do to stretch them out a bit before trying it again? Any help would again be appreciated.

Todd :-)
--
1990 245 Wagon - 187000 miles; 1988 244 Sedan - 123000 miles

One thing you might check but not sure if it will restrict the outward length.. The mounting bushings for the alternator can become worn and might have slipped out of place and are not letting you get all the movement you need and yes I have seem the belts be rather difficult at times..
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Max..1989 244 DL 5 Spd., Bilstein HD, Turbo Swaybars, Poly Bushings all round, Turbo Wheels, Black leather interior, Electric mirrors, LED dash and gauge lights.

Do you have an oil pressure gauge? It may be limiting the alt's travel. That's what has happend with mine. I have found success using a screwdriver to pry the belt on while rotating the pulley. Also, I had to put the belt on the outer groves of each pulley 1st then repeat to get it to the inside. Maybe you'll be lucky and you just have the wrong belts!
-JonB. '83 245DL