Whoa, make sure you have loosened the big 19mm bolt in the center of the tensioner. The adjusting nut should then turn easily to release tension. If you are releasing tension, the long adjusting rod should be screwing up into the adjuster nut.

__________________
Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE
No matter what you fix, there will always be something else to fix..
"Warranty" is just another way of postponing the inevitable.

Turning the adjusting nut clockwise TIGHTENS the belt, turning it COUNTERCLOCKWISE loosens it. But before doing that, you must lossen the big 19 mm bolt in the center of the tensioner as mentioned in the previous post.

I tried both directions nothing works. I think I have the wrong belt or something. Maybe the tensioner is bad. The nut(adjuster screw) doesn't seem stripped either, but maybe it is. I'm sure I have the big nut (19mm) super loose at this point. Any more clues would be great.

Cardude,

If you are having a problem getting the tensioner to move, be certain you have loosened the nut on the retaining/pivot point bolt. If you don't it is definite you will twist the adjust bolt OFF.
Mike Yox, your DIY pulley stop qualifies you as a member in the Order of El Cheapo.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

Sounds like I'm in good company!

I'm assuming you're replacing the serpentine belt on an M103 engine.

There are two different size belts available. One for a non-A/C engine; one for A/C equipped engines. Could it be you were sold a belt for the non-A/C engine which is SHORTER?

__________________
Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"

Almost Complete, thanks for all the help guys. Need to take a few test drives and check the tension on the belt.

This forum rules.

Cardude

[Edited by Cardude on 05-12-2001 at 09:56 PM]

A little advise , after you loosen the 19mm on front of tensioner back out the tensioner adj bolt 10 turns . This will make the belt loose enough to remove and re-install going in 10 turns ,then ck for tension you may have to go one or two more in for correct tension but it cuts down on confusion.

Good luck all.

__________________
euro 287
Mercedes Technician 7 Years (retired to Hyundai)
2000 Dodge Durango
98 Mazda truck