‘88-‘91 Belt Tensioner Issues with AC

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Nov 26, 2024 | 11:58 PM

Siveck

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Drifting

Joined: Aug 2002

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From: Birmingham AL

‘88-‘91 Belt Tensioner Issues with AC

Still trying to understand why my car shakes so badly with the AC on. 1989 L98. When I turn the ac on, the belt tensioner swings wildly. Like 4 inches of travel. Just from the compressor engagement. Could not find an oem tensioner, so I replaced it with a repro, Same issue. All brackets are in place and no obvious cracks in compressor bracket, AC blows cold, just shakes the whole car and swings the tensioner like crazy. Do I need a low mileage original tensioner? Anyone else having the same issue?

Nov 27, 2024 | 01:49 AM

ajp01

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Joined: Jan 2021

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From: Northern California

Did you delete the frisbee from the water pump pulley by chance?

Nov 27, 2024 | 09:11 AM

RWDsmoke

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Joined: Jan 2005

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From: San Antonio Tx

Had a tuneup lately? Running a little lean at idle can do that.

Nov 27, 2024 | 09:43 AM

htrdbmr

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2007

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From: Apollo Beach. Fla

Belt may be wrong length (too long) or old and stretched.

Nov 27, 2024 | 04:28 PM

Siveck

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Drifting

Joined: Aug 2002

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From: Birmingham AL

I did delete the frisbee almost 20 years ago. I put it back on when this stated happening. Tune up less than 10k miles ago. Belt is correct length with tensioner between marks. I read something about aftermarket tensioners having weak springs? My old GM one from 2008 was swinging several inches with the compressor on and so does my brand new reproduction one. Might need to find a NOS one from GM.