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How to replace the belt tensioner on a 3800 series engine
Keep in mind that this is in regard to a 1998 L-36 engine and that things may be different when we are talking about L-67’s or any other engine type. However there should be enough similarity to follow these basic
instructions for your Grand Prix Se, GT, GTP, or other GM FWD 3800 engines.
To get at the tensioner
assembly you will need a few tools:
1 flat head screw driver
1 socket wrench
1 9/16th socket
1 15mm socket, about medium deep
1 ½ inch socket, about medium deep
1 breaker bar, about 12 inches long
1 short extension
1 four inch long extension
1 gasket puller, (a small one)
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Move the overflow bottle that is located on the passenger side fender well out of the way.
3. Move the black fuse box out of the way so you can get better access to the tensioner.
4. Remove the serpentine belt.
5. Before you can take the tensioner off the engine block, you must remove the alternator first.
6. To begin removal of the alternator, you must first remove the black bracket that runs from the front bolt that is held on by two bolts that are one the bottom left of the front of the alternator.
7. Disconnect the rear clips from the alternator and disconnect the positive terminal from the rear of the alternator.
8. There is another bolt that needs to be removed from the lower front of the alternator. You should be able to remove the alternator now.
9. Remove the two bottom bolts that hold the tensioner in place (they are kinda long).
10. Wiggle the tensioned out from the block, be careful not to break the black L shaped tube that runs from the tensioner assembly and the engine block. It is not hard to brake! If you break it, you can get another one at the dealership for fewer than ten dollars.
11. Disconnect the two top hoses from the tensioner assembly, and make sure to mark them so you know which two hoses go where.
12. Before you re-attach the equipment with the new tensioner, make sure to re-gasket the L-shaped tube and the two that you removed from the top rear of the tensioner assembly.
13. Re-attach the tensioner by going backwards in your steps.
14. Check for leaks.
Sent to me by:
Earl W. EL--Amin |
