Can anyone confirm that on my 3.8 PA 1997 base, not super charged, that when I remove the singular 3" smooth idler pulley BOLT...is it a Left handed bolt, or clockwise to loosen it?
Does 37 ft/lbs sound about right for torque?
Thanks for help on this one.
This is where a FSM would be helpful!

RIGHTY LOOSEY, LEFTY TIGHTY.

I tried looking up the torque specs on AllData, but I can't seem to find it.

And I don't know how well the torque would work. When you tighten it, it will actually move the whole arm assembly.

Thanks Mike, Left handed thread!
Ya one will have to hold arm with a gripper of some sort or bar, while torque is applied.
I guess some thread locker would be a good idea as well on this bolt?

It sure wouldn't hurt!

Now you have me wanting to change mine Art, the tensioner is fine, and it stills has the right tension, but I not mind replacing that idler pulley, let me know how hard of a job it was for you when done.

Some day I plan to replace the whole idler assembly, and put the aluminum coolant elbow on, but it will be a while before I can afford to do all that, I still have so much other stuff I need to do.

I've never needed to hold the arm or use any thread locker, but I don't think blue Loc-tite would hurt. Just tighten it as you normally would. Being reverse threaded, it kind of takes care of itself; you won't be able to move the tensioner arm until the bolt is torqued.

From what I've read in various write ups on the 'net, 37 lb ft is the correct torque spec, and a little blue Loc-Tite wouldn't hurt. At least my PA didn't seem to mind..