patioman

Hi all.....

I dropped a 302CI engine and tranny from an 85 Lincoln Continental into my 49 Ford F1. I deleted the smog pump and replaced the ac compressor with an idler pulley for now. I installed a new serpentine belt that fit with the tensioner indicator at mid range. I have gone through 2 new alternators, one a one wire delco and the second a remanufactured oem replacement. Both were bought new and the bearings went out on both. I have since installed a longer belt with the tensior indicator at the low end of range. This truck hasn't seen the street yet, just start it up once in a while till I get my restore done. Are these tensioners adjustable in any way as far as poundage of tension? Can I purchase a new tensioner with a weaker spring? The belt feels rather tight to me. If I push on the longest section between 2 pulleys I get about 1/4" deflection. I can't go any longer on the belt because I'm at the bottom of the tensioner range now.

Thanks......

rtg143

Were they both Delcos? All the tensioner on the GM vehicles I've ever worked on, the tensioers were not as strong springwise as Fords. Must be they can't take the tension. I don't know of any way to ease the tension. Hopefuly someone here can help.

patioman

One alternator was a delco and the other a OEM remanufactured. I have had both alternators rebuilt by a local alternator/starter service. I have the delco back on. So far so good.

I will go to V-belt setup if I have to.
Thanks for the reply.........