belt tensioner

I have a 1998 crown vic, and i am trying to put a new belt on and i have no clue how to work the belt tensioner, i have spent about 3 hours just trying to work it, i took the whole tensioer off, and i still cant figure it out. I think i have to pull at the metal piece that looks like a J to move it but i tried using a screw driver to pry it and still nothing. Any help would greatly be appreciated.


Thanks,

Matt

Matt,

You are trying to move the sensioner on the right side so you can install the new belt correct? If so, you need either a 3/8" ratchet/breaker bar, or a 1/2" (they used both types). Now, it is *possible* that the tensioner has been replaced with a non-factory part, and there may not be a square hole at all (for the ratchet etc), in this case, you use a wrench on the pulley bolt and lever it out of the way.

It is also possible that your tensioner is frozen, and will need to be replaced. It should move easily, but require a good amount of force.