To drive or not to drive back..
 

Hello, need some opinions. I am buying a 190D 2.5. The belt tensioner is listing forward, and the pulley is very close to hitting the fan. Owner says its been like that for a while. I didn't check it for looseness while I was there, but after reading on the forums I see what is ahead of me. I am assuming its the bearing of the tensioner bracket. Its not making noise, just making the pulley out of alignment. Question: Do I trailer it home or drive it home? Distance is 600 miles, mostly flat terrain. I am leaning on trailering it home, but if the majority think that the tensioner is probably stable enough for transport, I wouldn't hold you responsible for it..lol.

Thanks!

just take a new tensioner with you ... will take maybe 5 min to put on

That sounds like a good plan. My only reservation the more I think about it is what else could be ready to go? I also need to locate one without ordering a week out.

get a new belt and the other idler pulley as a just in case.

buy the parts to fix it, and take the tools with you to fix the car before youget there... don't risk destroying the radiator/engine driving this way.

Anything else you can think of? Oil looked good, coolant looked fine. I am scared of the vacuum pump now..lol..

There is always a chance that the vacuum pump could die and cause issues but usually you will see fairly decreased vacuum before the pump goes. meaning that the car will shift like crap and various vacuum components wont work properly

The car shifts great. Shuts off well. Now just have to find someone to drive the chase car back..lol.

Well, sounds like trailering it is;). then you won`t have to share the beer when you get back.:D :beerchug:


Charlie

There seems to be a reason you are asking "trailer or drive". Is it the expense of fueling the larger vehicle necessary for towing? That being the case, just get the parts, consider even doing an oil/filter service and change the fuel filters prior to your journey. Do you know if the brakes are up to the challenge?

If you have a support vehicle, I'd say go for it.

"just take a new tensioner with you ... will take maybe 5 min to put on "

My sentiments exactly. Order the replacement parts through this forum . . .he will overnite them to you. Just try to look on online manuals to know what size wrenches you will need to replace that tensioner pulley. Bring an extra belt.

I trailered it home. Has a good oil leak, and didn't know what the vacuum pump was like. Well, discovered some good things. Found receipts for a rebuilt tranny and a new timing chain. Also found the original window sticker. Home and dry now!