Automatic Belt Tensioner

DESCRIPTION

CAUTION: Do not attempt to check belt tension with a belt tension gauge on vehicles equipped with an automatic belt tensioner.






Drive belts on all engines are equipped with a spring loaded automatic belt tensioner. This belt tensioner will be used with all belt configurations, such as with or without power steering or air conditioning.






The tensioner is equipped with an indexing arrow on back of tensioner and an indexing mark on tensioner housing.

OPERATIONS

WARNING: THE AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER ASSEMBLY IS SPRING LOADED. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISASSEMBLE THE TENSIONER ASSEMBLY.

The automatic belt tensioner maintains correct belt tension using a coiled spring within the tensioner housing. The spring applies pressure to the tensioner arm pressing the arm into the belt, tensioning the belt.
If a new belt; is being installed, the arrow must be within approximately 3 mm (1/8 in.) of indexing mark (point B-). Belt is considered new if it has been used 15 minutes or less. If this specification cannot be met, check for:
^ The wrong belt being installed (incorrect length/width)
^ Worn bearings on an engine accessory (A/C compressor, power steering pump, water pump, idler pulley or generator)
^ A pulley on an engine accessory being loose
^ Misalignment of an engine accessory
^ Belt incorrectly routed.
A used belt should be replaced if tensioner indexing arrow has moved to point-A. Tensioner travel stops at point-A.