tensioner won't budge. help

[gk1992]

Hi, I just found this web site and it is really great!
I am trying to change my alternator myself (low on cash) and I am not too technical with cars.

I have a 1992 Grand Am 3.3L. I am tried to lossen the belt by pushing on the tensioner (towards the rear of the car) and the thing won't move. Is there a something that I need to unlock
before I can push on it or should it move just by pushing on it?

Is it possible that it is stuck? I need help on how to loosen this belt erg!

Thanks

[rixGAphx]

I don't know on the 3.3 V-6, but on the 3.1 and 3.4 the belt loosening procedure is SOOOOO simple that it's confusing to everybody but a kindergartener.

You DON'T mess with the tensioner mounting bolt, or with the idler pulley.
Rather, get a 12" long Crescent wrench or open end wrench, and adjust to 1/2" wide.
Slip onto the cast aluminum 'snout' at the front of the idler arm; the arm and wrench should be just about horizontal and pointing to the radiator.
Lift up on the end of the wrench, mebbe 20-40 lbs upward force.
Voila! the tension is removed from the belt, and you can remove the belt from the alt pulley.

I *imagine* the 3.3's tensioner is similarly simple, and thus unfathonable to those expecting something of the 'normal' GM complexity. :roll2:

Good luck.
-Rick

[Grahamcracker]

Have you seen my post in the "How-to submitions" section?

[gk1992]

Thanks a lot!!
The picture really helped!

[pokesmot]

I have the exact same problem as you, and as far as I know the only solution is leverage.


you will need a 3/8" drive shallow 18mm socket, and a 3/8" ratchet + a piece of pipe which fits over the end of the ratchet

I removed the 2 bolts that held the hood in place because the piece of pipe i had was too big to clear the hood... but if you can find a piece of pipe that just clears the hood and gives you just enough leverage to move the tensioner your set.

I just saw Grahamcracker's post on the how to section, that will work just as well.