Belt Tensioner

[collegeboy13]

I had had cold startup problems, but I finally cured them with a new ECT sensor, but something is still funny. My tensioner is sqeaky and I know that I should replace it. How do we tell the belt tension on these? I thought that there was supposed to be an optimal tension, but I can't find the arrows that show it. Also, would a loose belt or bad tensioner severly reduce performance somehow? Thanks.

 

[Nysbadmk8]

A loose belt wouldnt affect performence, unless it was slipping on the water pump and causeing overheating, or slipping on the alternator, and voltage was getting low. But i doubt either those is happing, our tensioner is self-adjusting, but you can take a 1/2 breaker bar, let the tension of the belt and let it go back and see if the belt is tight. If its still tight get a goodyear gatorback belt.

 

[driller]

http://www.lincolnsclub.org/forum/d...opic_id=3054&mesg_id=3054&listing_type=search

 

[M8SHOSCGUY]

IMO, The Goodyear Gatorback belt is the best, and cost only a bit more than a dayco..

mark

 

[Ponyfreak]

THere are marks on the tensioner that tell you if the belt is too big or too small. The tensioner needs to be within these marks for proper tension. You can read more about this in a shop manual.

 

[GUS]

I have been told you can upgrade to a cobra unit. Any truth to that?

 

[Ponyfreak]

depends what your definition of upgrade is. YOu can use a newer cobra unit with the steel arm. Or you can use the older units that are exactly the same as ours. I do not kow why you would need the one with the steel arm unless you are running a centrifugal supercharger. The vorteched cars esp have troubles with tensioner arms causing thrown belts, breaking, ect.

 

[GUS]

Thanks. I don't feel I need one on a stock engine(unless ours is just weak)