racerseks

This is in regard to a '96 CE with LT4...

I haven't done much wrenching on an LT...mostly L98's. It's late, and maybe I'm just not seeing it..but I am replacing alternator, belt, and while I'm at it, doing the tensioner too. Got the mounting bolt out, and it's loose...but can't figure out how to get it out of there. Any tips? Guessing I need to loosen, or take something else out. What am I missing?

Thanks!

racerseks

I posted a bit late, so called it quits for today. Hopefully somebody on here will know. These are usually easy, but I'm not that familiar with the LT engine...maybe you are?

bac22

You need a Serpentine Belt Tool to relive the pressure on the belt, Autozone will loan them out.
https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tool...tine-belt-tool

racerseks

Thanks...but I got the belt off, and got the tensioner off...just having a hard time getting the tensioner out, to put the new one in...

Whaleman

I just wiggled mine (96) out yesterday and it came out easy but required some moving around to get back in. My water pump is out so maybe that makes it easier. I assume you removed the bolt in the center of the tensioner and not just the pulley.

racerseks

Yes, the bolt is completely out. I imagine the water pump being out must help. Okay, there are some things that are tough on these cars, but surely removing the water pump isn't required for this...is it? LoL...I do realize you aren't saying that...but it sure seems a tight fit, and maybe some maneuvering is required. Hopefully someone will shoot a reply. Thanks for replying!

drcook

Once the bolt is loose, it just comes out. Did it on my '96.

racerseks

Does it just pull straight out? Maybe I was just tired, ha ha. I'll try it again later tonight. Thanks for posting!

drcook

There is an alignment stud/post/etc. that positions it when you put it back in. That will be the most difficult part of the task, at least it was for me. I had to use the extension that goes on my serpentine belt tool to get a slightly different angle to get enough movement to get the belt back on.

That was good for a few magical working on car incantations. It was probably good the little kids next door weren't listening and went in to ask "what does @!%%$$*** mean mommy ?"

Whaleman

If you can see or get a small mirror on a stick down there I bet you find it is the top wire to the opti that is messing with you. I put mine back on AFTER putting new wires on a new opti. It was the top wire that made it hard. Dan

racerseks

Another question...

People say there are two of them...by looking at your pics, it looks like the idler pulley and belt tensioner are two separate things. Are they the same "wheel" for lack of a better term...one being spring loaded, and the other not? Are they usually replaced together?

Thanks!

Tom400CFI

There are two wheels; one on a spring loaded arm (the tensioner) and the other stationary (the idler). They are mounted separately.

racerseks

I was just out there and got 'em both off. Didn't see that other one in there before. The idler came out easy, but that tensioner just won't squeeze out. It finally fell to the ground. I'm thinking maybe that sensor needs to come out, and then maybe it can be maneuvered out. Definitely won't pull straight out on mine. Anyone know if that's the procedure, and if so, what is that sensor, and what size is it? 3/4" doesn't feel quite right...thanks!