m103 belt tension

[Dale315]

how much tension should the belt have? the plastic dial thing doesnt work or i forgot to move it, but there's about an inch of play when i push the belt down with my finger. is that ok, or should it be tighter?

[BENZEVO]

if it's not slipping it's ok don't make it too tight cose you'll kill the bearings on the PS pump or alternator etc.

[Dale315]

what symptoms can i expect if the belt is slipping? like what happens to the car, noises, etc?

[chrisfball12]

I have this same problem to right now. I got about an inch of play but i can start the car but i haven't driven it.

If the belt slips you'll lose your power steering.

Any1 know how to fix the slack on the belt? I don't want to use the adjusting rod again and snap it in half.

[Dale315]

thats why i"m asking if the inch of play is ok. cuz i'm scared as hell to touch the tensioner and snap the rod.

[chrisfball12]

Well you can loosen the tensioner big bolt and remove the belt. From their you can turn the tensioner unit up or down. It's just a matter of playing with it thats my guess

[Dale315]

yeah. i know how its done. what i meant is that the rod is prone to snapping and i try to avoid messing with it. the rod has already been replaced and it was hell to get the new one in there.

[ppetracca]

The tensioner is prone to breaking, but only if it's like 10+ years old. I dunno why you guys are so scared to touch it.. if it breaks, then it needed to be replaced.