Belt Tension
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Champion
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,300
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From: Plattsburgh, NY
Belt Tension
So i have to replace the idler pulley (the one between the altanator and water pump) because mine came apart into about 8 peices. (This is on my 3.9). I got the old one of fine and I can get the new one on but with not quite enough tension as I would like. I was looking but I can't seem to find a place to release and add tension although I assume there would have to be incase you have to replace a belt.
So my question is obvious, is there a place to releave tension and put tension on. Any input on how exactly the pulley should be installed?
So my question is obvious, is there a place to releave tension and put tension on. Any input on how exactly the pulley should be installed?
Record Breaker
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 20
From: Clermont, Florida
The 3.9 has an automatic tensioner, it's spring-loaded and the tension is not adjustable. If the tension is too slack or there's more than a half inch or so of movement in the tensioner when the engine is idling, you need a new tensioner. Just from personal experience, I would say get the direct OE replacement part from Napa or the real OE part from the Dodge dealer. The ones from Autozone and Advance are not built the same and will not work. It took me 2 Autozone tensioners and 2 belts to find that out.
Pulley is straightforward, remove the old and reinstall the new. I also had to replace mine too and I used the Napa OE replacement part. I have had no problems with it since.
Jimmy
Pulley is straightforward, remove the old and reinstall the new. I also had to replace mine too and I used the Napa OE replacement part. I have had no problems with it since.
Jimmy
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Champion
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,300
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From: Plattsburgh, NY
Yeah I went down to Napa and got one(they seem to have everything for a Dakota) and I put it on it just seemed like it should have a little more tension. It was pretty close to my other dakota w/ a 4.7 but just a little less tension but I think it will be ok.
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Champion
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,300
Likes: 2
From: Plattsburgh, NY
I was actually missing a piece that I found. I knew it didn't seem right but it was hard to tell because the old one is in about 8 pieces. I was missing the washer part the the bolt goes through.
So now I can get the pulley on correctly but Im having a tough time trying to get the belt over it.
So now I can get the pulley on correctly but Im having a tough time trying to get the belt over it.
Record Breaker
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 20
From: Clermont, Florida
I would say put the belt over the tensioner and the other pulleys first then use a 15mm wrench and pull the tensioner inward to allow enough slack in the belt to slip it under the idler pulley.
Jimmy
Jimmy
