So, as I continue working on my '87 in anticipation of actually being able to drive it in the next few weeks, one of the last items on my list is to change the engine belts (got two new Motorcrafts). I got the front one off by loosening the alternator, which wasn't too bad other than I had to remove the top brace for the alternator because otherwise I could not pivot the housing far enough to give enough slack in the belt. How in the HELL does this tensioner assembly work? As I understand it, there's a bolt on the front plate under the A/C compressor and one directly behind the tensioner on the back side of the bracket. I have read several threads and tried finding a you tube video showing how this contraption operates and I am still confused. Read my service manual and that was not very clear either. What is the correct order of operations, step-by-step? I am used to later models with the self-adjusting tensioner - slip the breaker bar in, release, remove belt, release, put new belt on and go. This one seems a bit more finicky as it does not self adjust? I need someone to post a couple of photos or a video so I don't fuck up my car. Any takers?
It also appears that the pulley is riveted to the tensioner. Looks like I will returning the plastic replacement that I bought. Don't want any plastic bullshit. Would really like to replace the unit before new belts just to make sure everything is up to snuff, but I wonder if the part is even available anymore anywhere?
It also appears that the pulley is riveted to the tensioner. Looks like I will returning the plastic replacement that I bought. Don't want any plastic bullshit. Would really like to replace the unit before new belts just to make sure everything is up to snuff, but I wonder if the part is even available anymore anywhere?
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