major belt/ tensioner problems!! help me!

i have a 1987 chevy cavalier that i just got. it is my first car and it needs alot of work. i had to replace the drive belt on it and once i got it removed, i noticed that the tensioner was not like ive ever seen before. when you move it, it doesn't spring back, and there is no way that i can tighten it so it stops moving. if u know anything that could help me please please tell!!! thanks mucho

-kevin

Hi Kevin, I Have A 97 Chevy Cavalier. Probably Same Tensioner. If Your Pushing The Tensioner Down And Its Not Springing Back Up, The Spring Is Probably Bad Inside. The Tensioner Is Boltedto The Side Of The Block W 2 Bolts. I Dont Know If Your Local Auto Parts Carries The Tensioner. But Its Worth A Shot!!

thanks alot for the info. i think that ur tensioner may be different because the two bolts that i can acess that are near the tensioner are only to hold on the side bracket of the block on (im not sure wat its called) so im thinking im goin to have to take that whole thing off to get to the inside. If that doesnt work i think im just gonna take it to a shop cause i have no idea what else i can do. If anyone else has anymore info or ideas please let me know!