So Mr.Lube said I need a new belt tensioner. Is that the doo-hicky right under the alty?

I got out to check myself and i could press the belt maybe half an inch in, is that too much, or should i have this looked at?

is it a difficult/costly repair? I drive on the highway everyday, and i dont want to loose the belt........

they also wrote down on the page that i have a "possible engine leak", i mean do they just put that stuff there to scare people or what, i had a good look and i didnt see any leaks......any ideas?

 

Yes the tensioner is below the alternator and it is pretty common for them to seperate and fall apart. Look straight down on it and if it lookslike it is leaning one way or the otherthen it needs replaced. I think they cost about $30.00-$40.00 and any novice can install one in 10 minutes...If you have any doubt, at that price it's worth it to me to know the belt won't be thrown off while I'm driving in 20 degree weather. As for the leak, I'd get a second and maybe third opinion.

 

thanks lastcoupe, I'll take a looky today, the belt seems pretty tight.

should it be so taunt that it only moves a 1/4" or less?

 

The belt being tight doesn't necessarily have anything to do with it. If the bearing in the tension pully locks up, you'll fry the tension pulley and possibly the belt - and you will STOP. You will have no water pump, no alternatior, no power steering.

It's quick and easy to replace. Get a basic manual and do it. One stop at Autozone and you're good.

And if you have a leak, it's likely to be a leaking intake manifold gasket at the front driver's side of the engine. That's the common leak on the 4.3 motor. Most shops charge about $500 to replace the gaskets, or if the leak is external (not internal - leaking into the motor oil) then you can live with it and chck the coolant weekly, refilling as needed. If you can smell antifreeze with the hood open, that's likely to be the problem...unless you have a failing water pump and it's starting to leak out the weep hole, which is rather difficult to see if you don't know where it is.

I'd ask them to be specific about WHAT engine leak, WHERE it is and WHAT is it leaking. What they wrote down does you no good at all.

 

Well what I do when I think an engine has a leak I put cardboard down under it or somthing that is clean like a sheet would work too. Then look at it the next day when you wake up and see where the skill is on the cloth or cardboard and looks for the leak from there.