HELP! I need a little guidance

[Hyla1967]

I have a 1996 Lasabre. It has a 3.8 engine. It threw its belt and I know it needs the belt tentioner replaced. I looked through old posts and found some information but none that say exactly how to replace it. Can anyone point me in the right direction and give me some instructions on how to replace it? What is involved and it is a big job? Just on sight alone it appears you only have to remove the alternator and it is right there with just a few bolts holding it on but what cant I see that is connected into it? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Luke.]

I could be wrong, but recently, my wife's '97 Le Sabre had it's tensioner pulley freeze, resulting in it's failure. I discovered, after the dealer replaced the unit, that it is necessary to actually lift that side of the engine to be able to slip in the belt.

[Hyla1967]

I know you can replace the belt without lifting the engine. When we replaced the alternator we replaced the belt. Was easy to do with the alternator off. The belt can stay where it is so this will be a non issue. I am worried about what else the tensioner is tied into on this engine.

[Alibi]

I don't believe there is anything critical to keep in mind when replaceing the tensioner. I think it is just 2 or 3 bolts that go through the tensioner bracket into the motor block. I haven't done this myself, so I could be wrong.

[auto trainy]

I believe there may be two water entrances,one with a plastic elbow pipe and an o' ring when you mount the tensioner,its been a while since I did mine but I believe it may be that way.