Re: V6 Belt tensioner

[Gerry Lehmann <lehmann@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Don

If what you are saying is that your belt has slipped 3 times in the last 2 months, you may have a variation on the tensioner spring pictured below;

http://home.san.rr.com/glehmann/V6-TensionerBreak.jpg

Depending on where and how the small spring breaks, all kinds of unpleasant things can happen.  The tensioner above has only about 3k miles on it and it slipped 2 notches on two occasions before it was yanked.  Amazingly enough there was no
valve damage.  I have had two out of three of the mechanical type break springs.  The recent wisdom that says they only break if installed incorrectly is hogwash in my book.  The 2 problem units that I have were installed by two different, but
highly regarded and very experienced full time Alfa mechanics, one of which is published nationally.  It is beyond my comprehension that both of these guys screwed up.  I'm more inclined to believe another theory that says there was a bad batch
of these that came in a few years back but that doesn't make me feel any better about buying another.  I am currently using the Zat design and it seems to work well although I do monitor it very closely .  Seems to be OK in this sun belt area
but I might have more concern if the weather and thus temperature swings were more extreme.  Your mileage may vary..........

Gerry Lehmann
'86 GTV6 3.0

>
> Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2003 16:32:03 -0400
> From: "Daegrigg (Don)" <daegrigg@domain.elided>
> Subject: V6 Belt tensioner
>
> I've just re timed the cams on my 164L for the third time in two months.  I have the mechanical tensioner and have become expert in adjusting per the Alfapro tech bulletin.  Question is - is this a fool's errand?
>
> I read several posts in the archive and this seems to be the prevailing opinion.
>
> The hydraulic tensioners worked albeit with the nuisance of the oil leak sometimes
> The factory mechanical tensioner seems very unreliable.
>
> Replacement options:
>
> The mechanical tensioner from ZAT
> The hydraulic tensioner sans oil feed locked in position
> Any other?
>
> Thanks for your input.
>
> Don
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