Quote:
Originally Posted by wbrian63
Removed the waterpump on my '92 300SE to replace a leaking pump-to-block o-ring. Doing so of course requires releasing the tension on the belt. Also replaced a rattling tensioner shock absorber while I was at it.
Went to reassemble and retension everything and couldn't for the life of me figure out how to set the tension. AllData diagrams indicated I should align the arrow on the tensioner housing with some seemingly non-existent fixed pointer.
I checked another source for info - the CD I got from MB for the car and it has an exploded diagram of the tensioner device that shows a pointer that goes in between the outer bracket and the tensioner body.
The PO said he had recently replaced the tensioner and the part does look new.
My question is - without that missing pointer, how do I go about setting the tension on the belt. I know that if it slips it's too loose - but over tightening it just ruins bearings in all sorts of expensive items like A/C compressors, etc.
Any suggestions?
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Brian,
The pointer is a plastic piece that should be installed under the bolt that locks the tensioner down. It often does not get reinstalled, as it can be a bear getting bolt back in there with the limited clearance. They are available from the stealer for about $5 or so.
When you do get it installed, with the bolt still loose, set the pointer to the left-most line, and tighten the adjusting bolt until the pointer is between the two middle lines. If it cannot be tightened to the middle, check the tensioner per the CD procedure to ensure that it will return when deflected 30 degrees. If it doesn't, the internal rubber is sheared and it needs replacement. (Replacements do NOT come with the pointer!) If someone has overtorqued it without using the pointer, it could well be sheared.
While it's off, check the flats on the tensioner shaft for wear/deformation. You might be able to salvage a worn one by flipping the adjustment plate over and swapping its position with the spacer beside it, allowing it to sit on an unworn portion of the shaft. (Fortunately, the adjustment plate flats are symmetrical so you can flip it.
Gerry
87 300SDL
92 400E
67 230 <--- For Sale!