I have a 1997 Bonneville that has a leaking coolant elbow in the belt tensioner assembly. I am looking for a step by step instruction to replace the tensioner assembly. Anyone know of a good instructional website to accomplish this ? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Unhook the positive battery cable. Untension the belt. Drain off about a gallon of coolant.

Remove the alternator connector and battery cable on back. Unbolt the 10mm bolt to the back of the alternator.

Remove three bolts from the front of the alternator. Shown here at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock


Remove two more bolts from the tensioner as circled here. (Not the actual tensioner you have, accurate for the bolt location)


Wiggling the tensioner remove it. Keep in mind the lower elbow in the 97 model year is metal and part of the tensioner. Prying gently may help. Prying too hard has been known to break the lower part of the tensioner.

That should get it off with the coolant hoses still attached. If you need them removed, please do so.

Using steel wool clean inside the lower intake manifold and tensioner assembly. Replace the o-ring on the lower elbow of the tensioner with the blue o-ring from the large outlet on the coolant elbows in the package. Lightly lubricate all o-rings with vasoline, oil or a little grease before reinstallation on the motor.

When I did this job, the previous coolant elbows had blue gasket maker on them, so I reapplied some.
Make sure your o-rings are not cracked or squished at all, as it will leak and you'll have to remove it. And i'm speaking for experience with that happening to me!
It sure is nice when the job is a $4.49 part eh?

Thanks for reminding me Dave.

O-rings are one of those things that should be replaced because the cost is low. I automatically pick up a new set of coolant elbows anytime the LIM or tensioner comes off. Dorman 47065 and under $5 simply isn't worth a leak. I haaaaaate leaks.

Bill, Thanks for your response. The directions were easy to follow and spot on. right down to the blue o-ring. Repair was under $ 4.00 and so far so good ! I will drive it tomorrow to check for leaks. As i was finishing the repair i noticed the front rocker cover gasket is starting to leak. Do you also have the process to fix that ? Thanks again .Tim.