1992-1999 Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's and Buick Lesabres Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

Question on Belt Tensioners What is the correct setting

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-12-2007, 09:45 AM
  #1  
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
 
Roadrunner1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Sarnia, Ontario
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Roadrunner1 is on a distinguished road
Default Question on Belt Tensioners What is the correct setting

Just putting the engine back into the car and need a bit of direction.
I looked at the belt tensioners and the range indicator on the Alternator Power Steering and the SC and AC belts
I replaced the Alternator belt with a gatorback as the original was getting frayed
I left the AC /SC belt as it still looks good to me
Is there a tension adjustment setting or just put the belt on and go?

Thanks :?:
Old 06-12-2007, 09:48 AM
  #2  
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS

Expert Gearhead
 
BillBoost37's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Enfield, CT
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
BillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of light
Default

The tensioners are self adjusting. They do have range indicators (marks) to let you know when the belt or tensioner is out of spec.
Old 06-12-2007, 12:47 PM
  #3  
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
 
Roadrunner1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Sarnia, Ontario
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Roadrunner1 is on a distinguished road
Default So if they are in the range we are good?

So if the indicator is in the range we are good to go!
Thanks
Old 06-12-2007, 12:49 PM
  #4  
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
 
willwren's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
willwren is on a distinguished road
Default

Yes, the SMALL range indicated by the 3 marks at one end of the scale.
Old 06-12-2007, 04:53 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
bill buttermore's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Ames, Iowa
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
bill buttermore is on a distinguished road
Default

The marks on the tensioner indicate whether a belt has stretched too far for the tensioner to apply the proper force. Tensioner springs do weaken over time.

How to check belt tension on a Series II from an earlier post:

Originally Posted by someone a while ago
You can check belt tension with a relatively inexpensive gauge called a "Clikit." You need to get the right one for the range you want to read. They cost about $15.

[edit] My '95 FSM says the belt tension on both your belts should be between 50 and 70 pounds taken as the average of three readings. Measure tension midway between the generator and the ps pump for the main belt and between the sc and its idler pulley for the sc belt. The three readings are taken after the engine is stopped and:

1. With engine warmed up and no accessories on
2. After tightening (clockwise) and releasing the tensioner
3. After loosening (counter-clockwise) and slowly re-applying tension.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
atauri_92
1992-1999
5
03-10-2005 01:18 PM
acg_ssei
1992-1999
4
02-29-2004 09:13 PM
SSEimatt93
1992-1999
5
01-24-2004 02:50 PM
SSEimatt93
General GM Chat
4
01-19-2004 12:42 PM
Custom88
Lounge
67
12-24-2003 08:18 PM



Quick Reply: Question on Belt Tensioners What is the correct setting



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:52 PM.