cs

anybody out there know how to adjust the serpentine belt on a '90
T-Bird? I'm replacing the alternator, and even with the top tensioner
removed the belt is so freaking tight, I can't get the bolts into the
alternator. There has to be an adjustment, yet I can't seem to figure
out where, unless it is the torx bolt on the bottom tensioner, i.e.,
where one would have to be a contortionist with a whole lot more of
hours in the gym than I've got.

Backyard Mechanic

cs <cobs@fus.net> wrote in news:ika1i1htitjaed3kj4tcidlma9ctifpo7l@4ax.com:

> anybody out there know how to adjust the serpentine belt on a '90
> T-Bird? I'm replacing the alternator, and even with the top tensioner
> removed the belt is so freaking tight, I can't get the bolts into the
> alternator. There has to be an adjustment, yet I can't seem to figure
> out where, unless it is the torx bolt on the bottom tensioner, i.e.,
> where one would have to be a contortionist with a whole lot more of
> hours in the gym than I've got.
>

You mean like the 3.8?

Truly a PITA but >>>> carefully <<<< use the square hole in lower
tensioner to swing it.

Top one is meant to be idler only. Bolt it up prior.

Tom Adkins

cs wrote:
> anybody out there know how to adjust the serpentine belt on a '90
> T-Bird? I'm replacing the alternator, and even with the top tensioner
> removed the belt is so freaking tight, I can't get the bolts into the
> alternator. There has to be an adjustment, yet I can't seem to figure
> out where, unless it is the torx bolt on the bottom tensioner, i.e.,
> where one would have to be a contortionist with a whole lot more of
> hours in the gym than I've got.

Sounds like a 3.8. The tensioner is down low on the motor and is spring loaded. It
takes a long 15 or 18mm wrench to swing it up to remove the belt.

Rodan

"cs" wrote:

anybody out there know how to adjust the serpentine belt on a '90
T-Bird? I'm replacing the alternator, and even with the top tensioner
removed the belt is so freaking tight, I can't get the bolts into the
alternator. There has to be an adjustment, yet I can't seem to figure
out where, unless it is the torx bolt on the bottom tensioner, i.e.,
where one would have to be a contortionist with a whole lot more of
hours in the gym than I've got.

==========================

Recheck the belt routing.

Don't try to bolt the alternator on under tension. Remove
the belt, bolt the alternator on, loosen/rotate the tensioner(s)
enough to slip the belt on the alternator, then tighten/release.

Good luck.

Rodan.

Dark1

"Tom Adkins" <newton5@remove.comcast.net> wrote in message
news:y5Wdnbpr_ew2LL3eRVn-pw@comcast.com...
> cs wrote:
>> anybody out there know how to adjust the serpentine belt on a '90
>> T-Bird? I'm replacing the alternator, and even with the top tensioner
>> removed the belt is so freaking tight, I can't get the bolts into the
>> alternator. There has to be an adjustment, yet I can't seem to figure
>> out where, unless it is the torx bolt on the bottom tensioner, i.e.,
>> where one would have to be a contortionist with a whole lot more of
>> hours in the gym than I've got.
>
> Sounds like a 3.8. The tensioner is down low on the motor and is spring
> loaded. It takes a long 15 or 18mm wrench to swing it up to remove the
> belt.

yep, there's your winner, I own this one.
a pain wth regular tools, you'd be doing yourself a big favor by using a
serpentine belt tool..
autozone does loan them, basically a flat 2ft breaker bar with the sockets
to fit different tensioners..
only like $20 to buy outright, well worth it if your gonna own this long..

Sharon K.Cooke

cs wrote:
>
> anybody out there know how to adjust the serpentine belt on a '90
> T-Bird? I'm replacing the alternator, and even with the top tensioner
> removed the belt is so freaking tight, I can't get the bolts into the
> alternator. There has to be an adjustment, yet I can't seem to figure
> out where, unless it is the torx bolt on the bottom tensioner, i.e.,
> where one would have to be a contortionist with a whole lot more of
> hours in the gym than I've got.

Pull the tensioner over with a 1/2" breaker bar at the square 1/2" hole in the
tensioner bracket. Take the belt OFF the alternator pulley, THEN change the
alternator complete, THEN replace the belt using the breaker bar & tensioner.

cs

Thanks for all the replies. I went back to work on it after posting
my note - and with brute force from a couple of long screwdrivers, I
was able to get it on, but its good to know there's a tool for the
belt, as I suspect this car's going to need one sometime in the next
few months.

On Thu, 08 Sep 2005 20:25:34 -0500, "Sharon K.Cooke" <scooke@cox.net>
wrote:

>cs wrote:
>>
>> anybody out there know how to adjust the serpentine belt on a '90
>> T-Bird? I'm replacing the alternator, and even with the top tensioner
>> removed the belt is so freaking tight, I can't get the bolts into the
>> alternator. There has to be an adjustment, yet I can't seem to figure
>> out where, unless it is the torx bolt on the bottom tensioner, i.e.,
>> where one would have to be a contortionist with a whole lot more of
>> hours in the gym than I've got.
>
>Pull the tensioner over with a 1/2" breaker bar at the square 1/2" hole in the
>tensioner bracket. Take the belt OFF the alternator pulley, THEN change the
>alternator complete, THEN replace the belt using the breaker bar & tensioner.