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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech

Belt tensioner

  • Thread starter Thread starter ron2shel
  • Start date Start date Dec 4, 2022
R

ron2shel

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  • #1
I recently replaced my alternator and wanted to replace worn out serpentine belt. Got the old belt off, guided the new belt on and there is absolutely no tension on the belt. Do I need a new tensioner. If so how does the old one come off. I'm new to this and would appreciate the help.

I have a 1995 mustang gt 5.0
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
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#2
  • Dec 4, 2022
  • #2
Is the belt too long?
does it take a good amount of effort to pull back the tensioner?
 

KRUISR

10 Year Member
Apr 16, 2015
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#3
  • Dec 4, 2022
  • #3
Did you compare the new and old belt length before installing? When I removed my smog pump I took the old belt, cut it and routed how I wanted it. Then marked it for the length I would need (assuming tensioner mid way). I measured the length to the end of by the cut end and went to the parts store and asked for the closest belt to the length I needed - don't remember what it came from, but it wasn't even a Ford.
 
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ron2shel

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The new belt is the exact same size as the old belt. I can move the tensioner with hand
 

Potomus Pete

I'm still waiting for the fully nude shots
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#5
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What about the wheel on the alt. Same size . Do you know how to grab the tensioner with a wrench/bar to pull it back.
 

Potomus Pete

I'm still waiting for the fully nude shots
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#6
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It's probably ok, but hard to explain with words. You may have to U Tube it with the tensioner. Belt goes on. Tensioner goes up with the help of a wrench/ratchet and comes down on the belt
 

revhead347

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.
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#7
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I know this sounds condescending, but make sure the belt is routed correctly.

Kurt
 
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dcm0123

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#8
  • Dec 4, 2022
  • #8
ron2shel said:
The new belt is the exact same size as the old belt. I can move the tensioner with hand
Click to expand...

If you can move the tensioner easily by hand you need a new tensioner.
 
Reactions: 96pushrod

revhead347

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.
20+ Year Stangneter
Jun 14, 2004
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Acworth, GA
Dec 7, 2022
#9
  • Dec 7, 2022
  • #9
dcm0123 said:
If you can move the tensioner easily by hand you need a new tensioner.
Click to expand...
Depends on how strong your hand is. I can do it with "my strong hand."

Kurt
 
R

ron2shel

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#10
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  • #10
I got the tensioner replaced now I am having a hard time finding the correct size belt. I have a/c and smog as well as sr underdrive pulleys. Any body know what size belt I need. Thanks
 
J

Jarhead67

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Nov 24, 2018
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Dec 13, 2022
#11
  • Dec 13, 2022
  • #11
ron2shel said:
I got the tensioner replaced now I am having a hard time finding the correct size belt. I have a/c and smog as well as sr underdrive pulleys. Any body know what size belt I need. Thanks
Click to expand...
Use a piece of string to measure the length around all the pulleys. Then go to the parts store and get several different sizes. Use the one that fits, return the other ones.

Worked for me.
 
Reactions: General karthief
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