Engine Belt Tensioner Broke?

[EX-SSP]

So, I went to take my belt off to change out a pulley and see this...

Pulley is all the way down but the stop is at the highest point. I can't move the arm up. Do I just cut the belt and hope I don't snap an arm off? Is the tensioner toast? What would make that happen? The car has been running a little rough. Would a loose belt be a cause. There is about a good 1/2" of play on the belt at the longest section. Not sure what normal is?

 

[theconductor]

It sure looks like you have room to move it. What happens when you put the socket on the pulley and turn?

 

[90sickfox]

If its stuck loosen the mounting bolt ( big bolt ) just enough to let the locating pin come out of the bracket. Only needs to loosen about 1/4 inch. Use a flat head screw driver between the tensioner and the bracket if you have to. Its good to see the right shouldered pulley on that tensioner. A bunch of replacements are smooth and can cause the belt to walk off.

Usually when a tensioner is bad it'll cause the belt to mark up the pulley. Yours looks perfect. Makes me wonder.

 

[EX-SSP]

Yeah, I'm a dick. I just had a brain fart. Must go find a rock and hide. Thanks guys.

 

[Blown88GT]

Belt is too long or stretched way out. Normal is when pointer is in range.

 

[EX-SSP]

Belt is too long or stretched way out. Normal is when pointer is in range.

Yeah, it was really stretched out. I got a new belt in the exact same size and it went to the middle of the range marks. I've never see a belt stretch that much.