A/C ruining my belt tensioner?

[nazmobile]

Here's the situation. I replaced my old 1.9 SEFI with a 2.0 SPI and reused my old A/C compressor and belt tensioner. A month or so after the install, the tensioner started making squealing noises whenever the A/C was on and over time got to where it squealed constantly. I replaced the tensioner and the problem went away. Now that it's summer and I'm using the A/C more, the noise has started again. I had no problems prior to the engine swap. Anybody have any ideas about what might be causing this? The engine also seems to run rougher with the A/C on. Thanks for any help y'all can provide.

[GTP Dad]

You may have an alignment problem that is causing the tensioner to be pulled at an angle thus wearing it out. You might want to replace it with one from the 2.0. They only cost about 35 bucks, at a Ford dealer and it may correct the alignment problem. If that doesn't work go to a salvage yard and get a used a/c compressor from a car with at 2.0 of course you will need to get someone to install it for you due to the fact that you will need to evacuate the system prior to removing the old compressor. You didn't say what year your car is but if it is older than a 1993 this would be a good time to convert it over to R 134a refrigerant. Good Luck!

[nazmobile]

I tried using the 2.0's tensioner before I bought a new one ( I have a '96 BTW) but it has an alignment tab that the '96 doesn't have. I ground it off and put it on anyway but it didn't tension the belt right. I was suspecting an alignment issue. When I look at the belt while the engine is running to see if it's pulling, I see a slight wobble in my crank pulley. It doesn't seem to be transferred to the rest of the belt but you never know. I've been putting off removing the pulley and reseating it since it's such a PITA but I may have to. When the tensioner was new it was rock solid while running but now that it's started to squeal again, I can see it rocking in time to the noise. Thanks for the advice, but I think I'll hold off on the compressor as long as it's still blowing cold. I don't think there's anything wrong with it since I had no problems before the swap. Thanks again

[Jet-Lee]

FIX YOUR CRANK PULLEY ...then replace you tensioner again.

[GTP Dad]

I agree with Jet-Lee. You need to fix the crank pulley problem as that may be causing the belt alignment problem. Be sure to check the harmonic balancer on the front of the engine as that may also be loose. If it is, then get a torque wrench and torque it to specs. If the balancer is loose and not properly tightened it can cause the front main bearing to go bad and that will cost major bucks to repair.