Tensioner replacement problem

[85 DSEL]

I'm following the DIY article on Pelican Parts for removing the belt but perhaps my late MY '95 W124 may have a different setup...?? Found here.

First, there's no instruction on how to handle the tensioner adjuster rod and when/if I am suppose to loosen it. And HOW to loosen it. I'm basically stuck before really getting started!

The article says.."Place a 15mm socket over the bolt on the tensioner (red arrow) and turn the socket clockwise. This will un-tension the belt." I simply do not see a 15mm bolt. I would be assuming that it is referring to the 'swivel point' of the tensioner.

The tensioner pulley itself has a hex (Allen) bolt as well as the center bolt of the tensioner 'body'. If anybody has some light to shine on this procedure, I would sure appreciate it!

[engatwork]

Is it a diesel engine?

[85 DSEL]

No..

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[85 DSEL]

Can somebody confirm if I need to remove the three-legged bracket that I've loosened two of the three bolts. I just can't figure out any other way to get that tensioner out of there. Steering pump pulley needs to come off it appears... If that bracket needs to come off.

Sorry guys the pic is kinda upside down...Just stand on your head !!

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[85 DSEL]

Maybe a better shot...



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[85 DSEL]

Feel like I'm talking to myself here. Oh well, maybe I'll figure it out simply by posting to my own thread!

Since it is VERY apparent that the PS pulley must come off to get that tensioner out, does anybody have a method to hold that pulley still while removing the three 13mm bolts? Hope I hear from someone very soon because I'm thinking a strap-wrench from HF might just be the ticket!!

[engatwork]

Sorry for taking so long. I'm up to about three jobs nowadays and do this for "fun".

The power steering pulley has to come off. Take your old serpentine belt and wrap it around the ps pulley. Pinch it close to the pulley in a good pair of vice grips. Hold the vise grips against the pulley while loosening the fasteners. Once you get it out of the way you will see that troublesome third fastener.

Your initial description did not say which 95 w124. I initially only think about the diesel version when reading these threads.

[85 DSEL]

Originally Posted by engatwork

Sorry for taking so long. I'm up to about three jobs nowadays and do this for "fun".

The power steering pulley has to come off. Take your old serpentine belt and wrap it around the ps pulley. Pinch it close to the pulley in a good pair of vice grips. Hold the vise grips against the pulley while loosening the fasteners. Once you get it out of the way you will see that troublesome third fastener.

Your initial description did not say which 95 w124. I initially only think about the diesel version when reading these threads.

Haha! No problem Jim, I just appreciate your willingness to help out an old motorhead that still enjoys (not sure that's the right word!) doing much of my own maintenance on my vehicles! Well, while waiting for a reply I decided to make the 4-5mile trek to my local Harbor Freight and pick up a strap wrench set. But your idea would have done the trick. I'll keep that one in the old memory bank for later! Eating supper and heading back to the garage and try to wrap this puppy up this evening....Thanks a million fro your help

[85 DSEL]

Anyone know what this little tube is? Comes out of the ac compressor up to the underside of the coolant pump... It doesn't seem to stay in the CP but does in the compressor.



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[HappyHappy]

Originally Posted by 85 DSEL

Feel like I'm talking to myself here. Oh well, maybe I'll figure it out simply by posting to my own thread!

Since it is VERY apparent that the PS pulley must come off to get that tensioner out, does anybody have a method to hold that pulley still while removing the three 13mm bolts? Hope I hear from someone very soon because I'm thinking a strap-wrench from HF might just be the ticket!!

Harbor freight makes a pulley holding tool specifically for that purpose, its about 8$ last time I bought one.

[engatwork]

That is tube that drains the water pump when the seal starts to leak. Not sure other than think that MB figured it may make the leak easier to see or keep it off stuff below. I've put many miles on them without the tube in place.

[duxthe1]

The buried bolt has a 13mm nut in the back that needs to be counter held. To get the ps pully off I use a prybar between 2 bolt heads and loosen the third, repeat twice before unscrewing them all.

[85 DSEL]

Well that project is complete! Yes, duxthe1, I found that hidden nut on the back side of the bolt. I turned for a bit and saw that it was not extracting so I went huntin'

engatwork, yeah that tube ended up as it was before I started - not really 'attached' up under the coolant pump but secured into the AC unit. I tried to get it to stay in the hole but it just didn't want to. Interesting that they would route the 'leak' into the AC compressor. Can you educate me as to why they would?

I kept thinking that I'd use a piece of cardboard against the radiator but for whatever reason it didn't happen. No damage as I worked slowly and carefully but it sure is a tight area to work around! You know, first time doing something always takes me two to three times longer than doing it the next time. To me that's what's so neat about these old relics, they are classic and built to last as long as they are maintained. Keep them long enough and we get to do some of the work again!

One other thought here, Pelican should make a note about the differences in the W124 models and how they come apart for this belt tensioner pulley replacement because I was lost on some of the instructions in their instructional article. I think I might be able to add my own thoughts at the end of the article, come to think of it (CTTOI )!

Thanks for the replies here on this little bit of maintenance on the 124, she's a fine piece o' history

[85 DSEL]

Originally Posted by HappyHappy

Harbor freight makes a pulley holding tool specifically for that purpose, its about 8$ last time I bought one.

I went and purchased a strap-wrench from HF last evening and that worked very well. Not sure if that's what you were referring to...

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