Serpentine belt/Tensioner

[geomac51]

I replaced the alternator in my 88 Dodge Caravan, 6 Cyl. 3.0, but I cant slip the serpentine belt back on because the tensioner will not budge to create slack. It seems to be "frozen" in the upper position and I can't push it down to create slack. I have not yet tried grabbing the head of the bolt on the tensioner arm because I do not have the right wrench. Has anyone had a problem with a "frozen" tensioner ? What did you do ?

Thank you everyone who contributed. I gleaned enough information from your replies to resolve the problem this weekend. I used a rachet, and a piece of pipe to get more torque, snapped in the center of the tensioner arm/pulley wheel and pushed forward toward the firewall, the tensioner went right down. I did not see there was a receptacle for the rachet (or breaker bar) until I felt around by the side of the pulley. Again, thank you everyone!

[cheepnis]

Are you trying to push it with your hand? It's probably not frozen, or else you would have lost the belt. These are meant to be real strong. My advice is to use the proper socket and an 18" "breaker bar", this will give you the leverage you need.

-Tim

[geomac51]

Originally Posted by cheepnis

Are you trying to push it with your hand? It's probably not frozen, or else you would have lost the belt. These are meant to be real strong. My advice is to use the proper socket and an 18" "breaker bar", this will give you the leverage you need.

-Tim

Tim, thank you. You are the second person to give me the same advice. The only thing is I can't fit the socket AND the breaker bar, there is not enough room. I will have to get a 15mm OFFSET wrench and a steel pipe to slip over the handle to generate more torque. I have not been able to find a 16" or 18" long wrench. I will try it this weekend! Again, thank you!

George

[waltham41]

Originally Posted by geomac51

The only thing is I can't fit the socket AND the breaker bar, there is not enough room. I will have to get a 15mm OFFSET wrench and a steel pipe to slip over the handle to generate more torque.

George

I used a regular 15mm Snap-On wrench and a small pipe to do mine. No problem at all.