I'm trying to put the belt back and can't get the tensioner to move at all even with considerable force. Is it on a spring and is supposed to move clockwise? Haven't found anything about it on either FTE or the rest of the internet.

The belt is all back in place except for the last pulley, the only thing that remains to do is to move that tensioner. (It has a protruding hex head in its center and it's what I'm currently applying force to in my attempts to move it.)

Anyone has tips, hints, or instructions? It would be greatly appreciated.

 

With the right sized wrench the tensioner will move in the correct direction....toward the pax side (USA) put the belt on the vacuum pump last........

 

i am new to idi's but just went thru this.

i recently threw my serpentine belt on highway. i could not for the life of me get it back on with screwdrivers and vicegrips. too tight. limped home with belt over rather than under vac pump.

it turns out the truck had the wrong sized belt on it the whole time. the tensioner was bottomed out and got destroyed. spring literally feel off when tensioner removed.

correct longer belt, new tensioner, and no tools needed to get belt on.

apparently there are 2 size belts depending on alternator?

my cummins really needs a wrench on the tensioner as you describe.

hope something here helps.
kevin

 

Thanks to you two for the help!

The job got done before I went back on the forums to check the replies though...

I got back outside right after starting this thread, and got a better look (since it was dark, I took the time to bring a light)... I saw the slot, and it turns out I wasn't attempting to move the tensioner in the exact right direction (not that far from it, but not exactly it). It does move well enough when you force the right way.