87 5.0 Belt Tensioner

[gstsaver]

Hi,

I have a 87 GT Convertible that I imported to Australia....having problems getting registered but that is another story.

Anyway the belt tensioner indicator shows it is too tight - past the acceptable range. It is all the way tight and is squealing from somewhere.

Is it likely a bad tensioner pulley ? I know they aren't very expensive but for me the shipping is always much more than parts like this so I don't want to replace if it likely isn't the problem.

Any suggestions ?

 

[General karthief]

What part number is the belt? Do you still have all the stuff the belt drives?
Ac, air pump, power steering, water pump

 

[gstsaver]

Don’t have the belt number. It is all original with ac, smog,ps, wp, etc. and auto transmission which somehow effects belt length

 

[General karthief]

Stock belt should be 6PK2300/905K6 I
thats the belt I took off when stock.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Take the belt off and manually turn some of the pullies. See if any make noise

 

[jrichker]

Bad belt, wrong belt and wrong belt path are the most common problems. Look for the belt routing diagram on a sticker on the brace that supports the radiator hold down clamps.

 

[gstsaver]

I had installed a new belt tensioner and thought it was ok but on acceleration there is a loud squeal coming from what I assume is the belt somewhere.
I took the belt off and the alternator spins freely, as does the smog pump and a/c (obviously with a/c clutch disengaged), the water pumps seems fine..so really likely the power steering pump which I will replace once I order and receive parts as it is really noisy.
To be certain it is the p/s pump though, how freely should the pulley turn...?

 

[Mustang5L5]

Not that freely. Your moving fluid with each turn so while you can turn it by hand, there will be resistance

 

[gstsaver]

Thanks for the reply. I am replacing p/s anyway but since shipping of parts is expensive was looking to see if I needed anything else. The squeal when I accerlerate is very loud.

 

[General karthief]

There is a pointer on the tensioner that tells you belt wear, where is the pointer at? Now there are some opinions on what to use for fluid in the power steering, I use power steering fluid, not automatic trans fluid, my pump has 140k plus on it and a slight moan when turning, when I changed the rack I flushed it real good too.I
what ever fluid you use should have no effect on belt squeal though, just say'n.

 

[gstsaver]

I have a new belt 91 inch and tensioner. The tensioner started out just a half inch off indicator being at top and now it is all the way to top - after only 100 miles. Replaced tensioner and belt because it was all the way tight as well but I guess it wasn't the issue.

Interesting that you use ps fluid and not dex ii

 

[gstsaver]

Is it likely that the belt is too short that is causing the tensioner to be like this ?

 

[billison]

Can you post a picture of how you routed in your belt

 

[gstsaver]

I think perhaps the belt is too long instead of too short ? Which is strange as it is the standard 91.5 belt .

 

[gstsaver]

I put a slightly shorter belt on and so far Bob's my Uncle. It seems to be perfect now. I will keep an eye on it after driving it a few times but seems much better.

 

[General karthief]

BOB's YOUR UNCLE?
Wow, he lives just down the street from me!