Checking for correct belt tension?
Thread Starter
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 15
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
Checking for correct belt tension?
I'm trying to figure out why I've gone through two AC clutches in 800 miles. One of the suggestions was that the belt tension might be off. In a thread from the archives someone posted that it's scored with lines so you should be able to tell if it's right just from looking at it. Well maybe he can but kneeling on either wheel or squating on the radiator and looking down in there I can not, for the life of me, see any scored lines. The FSM states that "the indicator on the movable portion of the tensioner must be within the limits of the marks on the stationary portion of the tensioner." No illustrations, though. From what angle should I be looking? It's a 96 LT4. TIA...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 8
From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I've never been able to see mine either, looking with a flashlight and even my reading glasses! I can't see how too little tension would ruin the clutch and don't think a tensioner failure would cause too much tension. Did you mean you put two new clutch assy's on and ruined both or the original went out and 800 miles later the new one went out? If the later, I'd think you just got a bad assy from the parts store. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Good luck John.
Thread Starter
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 15
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
I've never been able to see mine either, looking with a flashlight and even my reading glasses! I can't see how too little tension would ruin the clutch and don't think a tensioner failure would cause too much tension. Did you mean you put two new clutch assy's on and ruined both or the original went out and 800 miles later the new one went out? If the later, I'd think you just got a bad assy from the parts store. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Good luck John.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 8
From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
As much as you're into it for now, I'd just go ahead and replace the tensioner and idler just to be sure. The tensioner is about $50.00 from the dealer and I'd think the idler would be no more than half that. Check for free operation of the power steering pump and alternator and you should be good to go. I know it's throwing parts at the problem but you shouldn't have any more problems for years.
Thread Starter
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 15
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
As much as you're into it for now, I'd just go ahead and replace the tensioner and idler just to be sure. The tensioner is about $50.00 from the dealer and I'd think the idler would be no more than half that. Check for free operation of the power steering pump and alternator and you should be good to go. I know it's throwing parts at the problem but you shouldn't have any more problems for years.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 8
From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Could overheating be caused by a low charge level? I'm thinking if you're replacing the clutch assy and the compressor and making sure the drive belt system is ok, that would about take care of everything mechanical?
Thread Starter
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 15
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 2
From: port charlotte fl
It's not the idler. Best scenario is the compressor locking up. Everything is going to keep going round and if the clutch stays engaged it's going to melt. If your not sure what your doing take it to a good A/C guy.
