I've been trying to do a timing belt job on my 1997 civic, and I can't seem to get the AC idler pulley nut off to remove the AC belt. The nut was slightly stripped when I started the job (from the previous owner possibly), and it only got chewed up more when I tried to loosen it. Things I've tried:
1) 12 point socket
2) PB Blaster
3) Vise Grips
4) Bolt-Out (these really only work if you can hammer them onto the nut, but theres no room to hammer).

Anyone have any alternative solutions? I've thought about cutting the belt and removing the entire idler pulley bracket...but those bolts look tough to get to. This would allow me to hammer on a bolt-out and get the nut off.

Alternatively, is there any way to loosen the AC belt without removing the center nut on the idler pulley? I've seen lots of posts where people say you need to loosen the pulley nut before you turn the tensioning bolt.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

cut that belt off and when you lower the motor off the motor mount to get at that crank pulley you should be able to deal with that idler pulley bolt

Fyi that idler pulley bolt a mile long and fine threaded to

 

The engine will drop enough so I can access the AC idler from the wheelwell? I will try this tomorrow. I guess I'll take off the upper and lower mounts and support the engine under the oil pan with a jack stand.