Belt Tensioner

[btoscano]

Hi all,



This weekend I was checking the front of the engine. I noticed that the tensioner pully vibrates around quite a bit at idle and I take this to mean it needs to be replaced. It should spin smootly like the rest of the pulleys (A/C, water pump, etc) right? The belt intermittantly squeals as well.



I have read about an aftermarket solution and also that the Cummins dealer is a good place to buy one. Can anyone provide a link to the aftermarket (the one I found searching was dead) and if its better/worse than the Cummins parts?



Thanks,

Brian Toscano

'90 D250 ~125Kmi

 

[dan brooks]

I replaced mine with a Dayco tensioner (part #89219). You should be able to pick one up from any reputable parts store - I think I paid around $80 for mine. Checker Auto has it listed for $89. 99.



The pulley on mine was spinning fine, but the tension was apparently a little weak and it was moving around quite a bit at idle.

 

[MAX A/C]

If it's just the pulley itself, not the tensioner, you can get a replacement at Napa for about $10.

Scott

 

[btoscano]

I am not real familiar with diagnosing a tensioner & pulley. I would think if I remove the belt and feel for play in the pulley that it would be the pulley, and if not, then it would the tensioner. IS this correct?



How long do the pulley and tensioner usually last?



Thanks,

Brian

 

[MAX A/C]

Brian- I don't know how to diagnose it either, but the Cummins book says to "inspect the pivot tube area of the tensioner for excessive wear evidenced by an elongated hole. If the tensioner exhibits excessive wear, it must be replaced. "



They are talking about the hole that the bolt goes thru to mount the tensioner. You'd need to remove it to check. If it's elongated, replace it. As in the other reply here, if it has lost it's ability to tension, replace it for that reason too.



As for as the pulley, it should spin freely, with no wobble side-to-side. Mine was suspected of being noisy, so was replaced, but the noise turned out to be the water pump.



Hope this helps!

Scott