Hi All

I have a 102 engine E200 1992 yr. I was told by my tech that the belt tensioner and the shock needs replacing. He said that the adjustment screw is almost all extended.

Is the belt tensioner locked down after tensioning or is it tensioned constantly by a spring? Where does the shock come in the picture?

I have not changed one of these before but with your help I am going to give this a try.

Regards
Andrew

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1992 124 E200 (Euro)

Although I am only familiar with 103 engines, in most cases the tensioner is locked down after adjustment. If the adjustment screw is turned without first loosening the large bolt (19MM?) on the tensioner it will be ruined. There should be a indicator guide cast or taped to the tensioner to show the range of adjustment. The shock just dampens any movement on the belt.

If the large bolt on the pulley is loosened and then the adjustment screw on the rod is turned there should be movement, if not then the tensioner is shot.

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'86 300E 5 speed
'71 Triumph TR6
'46 Cushman Scooter
'41 Ford 9N tractor

Hi

I bit the bullet and did this an hour ago. It took me about just over an hour. I think you are right and have to loosen that 19mm bolt to allow the inner part of the tensioner to rotate for adjustment. But the rubber bush together with the shock absorber does the work of tensioning. I did not tension all the way till the indicator FULL mark as the belt was already very tight at the halfway mark. It might loosen with time.

After the belt is quiet I am now more aware of what I suspect is hydraulic lifter noise. But that is another thread.....


Regards
Andrew

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1992 124 E200 (Euro)

Andrew, perhaps the pointer was off the scale when you started to adjust the tensioner. If not, I would adjust the tensioner so it's full scale. The tensioner shock dampens the shock to the tensioner when the A/C compressor is turned on, or when the engine speed changes rapidly due to gear changes, etc.

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Fred Hoelzle