Engine Belt Tensioner Broke?

EX-SSP

Active Member

Apr 16, 2019

81

41

28

New York

Mar 12, 2020

#1

• Mar 12, 2020

• #1

So, I went to take my belt off to change out a pulley and see this...


Pulley is all the way down but the stop is at the highest point. I can't move the arm up. Do I just cut the belt and hope I don't snap an arm off? Is the tensioner toast? What would make that happen? The car has been running a little rough. Would a loose belt be a cause. There is about a good 1/2" of play on the belt at the longest section. Not sure what normal is?

 

theconductor

15 Year Member

Aug 9, 2007

337

96

74

Roseville, CA

Mar 12, 2020

#2

• Mar 12, 2020

• #2

It sure looks like you have room to move it. What happens when you put the socket on the pulley and turn?

 

90sickfox

Wasn't a pretty sight...and I've got big hands

SN Certified Technician

Mar 2, 2015

6,945

5,816

213

Mar 13, 2020

#3

• Mar 13, 2020

• #3

If its stuck loosen the mounting bolt ( big bolt ) just enough to let the locating pin come out of the bracket. Only needs to loosen about 1/4 inch. Use a flat head screw driver between the tensioner and the bracket if you have to. Its good to see the right shouldered pulley on that tensioner. A bunch of replacements are smooth and can cause the belt to walk off.

Usually when a tensioner is bad it'll cause the belt to mark up the pulley. Yours looks perfect. Makes me wonder.

 

Reactions: theconductor

EX-SSP

Active Member

Apr 16, 2019

81

41

28

New York

Mar 13, 2020

#4

• Mar 13, 2020

• #4

Yeah, I'm a dick. I just had a brain fart. Must go find a rock and hide. Thanks guys.

 

Reactions: theconductor and 90sickfox

Blown88GT

Founding Member

Nov 13, 1999

2,283

524

164

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Mar 14, 2020

#5

• Mar 14, 2020

• #5

Belt is too long or stretched way out. Normal is when pointer is in range.

 

EX-SSP

Active Member

Apr 16, 2019

81

41

28

New York

Mar 16, 2020

#6

• Mar 16, 2020

• #6

Blown88GT said:

Belt is too long or stretched way out. Normal is when pointer is in range.

Click to expand...

Yeah, it was really stretched out. I got a new belt in the exact same size and it went to the middle of the range marks. I've never see a belt stretch that much.