On the way to work this morning,while driving on I581.
I heard a weird noise,then the steering got really heavy,then
the temp gauge started climbing.I was able to take the next
off ramp,& park in a parking lot, without overheating.
Bought a new belt,& after multiple attempts to route it
correctly,couldn't get the tensioner to move.Decided to drive it
to a shop,to get a second opinion,& I made it,without the truck
even getting too hot.
Should the tensioner move,with a wrench on the end bolt?

 

I presume a 3.9 or 5.2 Magnum motor? For those, the tensioner should. I get that from page 7-44 of the 1996 FSM that's available for download here; the 1995 is also available here.

To make it easier, I attached that page out of the FSM PDF for your help.

But yes, it should swing if you do it clockwise, as it says. If it doesn't, the tensioner is probably frozen; I'd order a new one ASAP. RockAuto does list several replacements; I'd stick with an ACDelco or Continental, but then, that's not my money The "economy" line are usually cheap "Fix it and sell it quick!" parts, so I'd avoid those.

RwP

 

THANKS! I was thinking if that was the problem,I'd end up
breaking another belt.

 

Very common problem for the tensioner to freeze had to replace mine because it hardly moved and wasn't putting proper tension on the belt. New ones are fairly cheap as well. Picked mine up from O'Reilly's for around $60 I think for the full assembly.

 

Turns out that the tensioner,water pump, belt,& A/C compressor
had to be replaced.And I just paid off my VISA bill last month.
Now I just want a boring year,where nothing else happens.

 

You and me both, RoanokeDakota!

You and me both!

RwP

 

It don't make sense to me that everything you mentioned was bad all at once. Did they show you any of this before you said ok? I can understand either the water pump or the ac compressor and the belt and tensioner but not both the wp and compressor at the same time. Sounds like they might have taken advantage of you

 

I would agree with this assessment....

And:

There is a lot to be said in favor of "Dull and Boring"......

 

The water pump had some play on the shaft before this happened,
so I wasn't surprised.I probably didn't help it by driving a few miles without the belt.

 

i would stay with factory parts if all possible. years ago i tried orielly waterpump and it failed at 50k. ill never make that mistake again. alot of after market parts are crap so i just stay away. cloyes timing chain is probly the only non factory item worth a darn