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Can't Adjust/Unload Tension on Serpentine Belt - 91 Cougar V6


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Carguy33
New User

Nov 1, 2007, 7:41 AM

Post #1 of 3 (1274 views)
Can't Adjust/Unload Tension on Serpentine Belt - 91 Cougar V6 Sign In

My question regards a 91 cougar, V6 but since it is essentially the same car as the Tbird, I decided to discuss my problem in this forum. I am attempting to replace the serpentine belt and the problem has been in finding a way to adjust or unload/reload the tension on the belt. I've attached a photo of my tensioner to this message. It appears that the pivot point on the left which is where the tension is actually adjusted but I haven't been able to find any tool that fits in there. There seems to be a countersunk multi-point nut or screw of some type but I can't figure out how to adjust it. It seems to require something similar to a ratchet drive or large allen wrench but I can't find one which will fit in there.

I went out and got a "Universal Serpentine Belt" tool which supposedly will let you adjust any tensioner available. It has "3/8" and "1/2" ratchet ends plus a selection of socket and open end wrench ends. *Nothing* on that supposedly "Universal" belt tool (including the ratchet drive ends) would fit my tensioner however and I am completely stumped at this point.

I've also been told that the tensioner is spring loaded and should move back and forth if I apply and release pressure directly on the belt. Mine does not move when I apply pressure however. It remains fixed, locked in place. That's what makes me think it is help in place by a fixed adjustment and not by spring loading.

Finally, I've also been told by some that the nut on the right hand pulley may actually be the point where you adjust the tension. That appears to me to only rotate in the same direction as the pulley (to let you change the pulley) however, and doesn't seem to me to have anything to do with changing the belt tension. I am completely flummoxed by this at this point and hopefully someone out there who knows this vehicle can help me figure out the mystery of this tensioner. Thanks in advance.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Nov 1, 2007, 11:36 AM

Post #2 of 3 (1266 views)
Re: Can't Adjust/Unload Tension on Serpentine Belt - 91 Cougar V6 Sign In

Pic attachment didn't show for me but no less. I don't recall anything weird with these. Are you sure you are looking at the tensioner pulley and not an idler pulley? Also - could this be a non self tensioned job? Some V8s in around there weren't self tensioned and you get at the adjustment lock bolt from behind them and then hold it in place with I think a 1/2 inch square and tightenen it at the right tension while holding it. Bet that's it,

T



Carguy33
New User

Nov 1, 2007, 12:35 PM

Post #3 of 3 (1265 views)
Re: Can't Adjust/Unload Tension on Serpentine Belt - 91 Cougar V6 Sign In

Thanks for the reply. I finally got it put on. The trick turned out to be not to loosen the nut on right hand pulley as I had been trying to do but to find the right size box wrench to fit it, grab that nut with the universal serpentine belt tool and use the belt tool as a pry bar to move that tensioner away from the belt.

There was enormous tension on it, so much that I thought it had seized up or frozen in place but it finally moved. It took a ton of force to do it but I finally got the belt on. Thanks again.






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