spannu

im installing a new alternator and having trouble getting to the belt tensioner...

im guessing i should remove the fan cover first to reach it, but i cant figure out how to get it off. i took off two clips: one on the top and one on the side, but i cant get it off because the fan and radiator are in the way

any help on how i can get it off would be much appreciated

dlafever

The fan shroud is not meant to come off before you remove the fan/clutch assembly, unless you have purchased the newer shroud which is two piece and allows for this. If you really want to remove it, you will need an 8mm hex wrench and a locking pin for the fan clutch to keep it from turning, you can make one of these by grinding the end off of a screw driver and bending the last 10mm, 90deg.

May I suggest that you not fiddle with the belt tensioner and just remove the bottom alternator bolt and loosen the top one? This way you can swing the alternator up enough to slacken the belt. Really the only reason to screw with the belt tensioner is if it is broken or misadjusted in the first place.

If you go with moving the alternator, you do not even have to remove the fan. I have changed my drive belt on the side of the road with just a 13mm ratchet ( I bet my MB buddy that I could do it! ).

-D

spannu

ill try this, thanks

GTFsr

Why would you suggest spannu not touch the belt tensioner?
How would he or you, for that matter adjust the belt tension.
It's simple to loosen. You get to it from under the hood looking down. A 19mm short socket on a short extension,
slipped between the pulley's to loosen & then tighten to jam nut and then you both can adjust the belt tension correctly.
They sell a tool for holding the fan pully BTW. I only find this out
only after 350,000 of aggravation changing that belt.
A piece of advice. Replace the one piece fan shroud with the 2 piece unit. Sure makes these jobs a lot easier.
GTF

zeronero

Yeah, I have to agree with GTFsr. The belt tensioner is easy to work with, I would think would be harder to use the alternator to get the right belt tension. A lot of force would have to be put on it to get the belt back to it correct tension, requiring another person, at least I would think so.

dlafever

Not really, I can do it with one hand. The main reason for not fiddling with the tensioner is that if it has not been replaced, adjusting it can easily break the rubber inside or damage the adjusting screw ( it is threaded English style ). Instead of that, I loosen the top Alternator bolt and remove the bottom one. Install the belt. Install the bottom bolt and tighten the top. 10 minutes tops.

-D

GTFsr

dlafever then how do you adjust the new belts tension?
I've never had a problem with what you described, maybe it'd because my car only has 359.000 on it. :-)

One moment please. yes I did have one problem with the tensioner. A STUPID mechanic once tried to release the tension on the belt without first loostening the jam nut!!!

That's why I like to do most things myself.

George

pifcat2

Where can I get these, part numbers, and how much?

I dealt with a screwed up tensioner. Fairly easily replaced. I've read there's a tool for measuring tension. Anybody use tools or did you go by feel?

pifcat2

Forgot to mention, I had a one-piece shroud and notched it to fit between the rad and the fan hub (once fan blades were removed). What model year did the 2 piece become available?

Is anyone using an electric fan to replace the belt driven fan? I've seen one somewhere on a V8 car.