Belt tensioner

[usetaboost]

The one I replaced was floppin around a bit. I wonder if there's any way to get new springs put in these?

 

[GNRick]

But the little ear in front that the alternator bolt passes through easily breaks. That is the most common reason for replacement.

does it just break during normal driving (from engine vibration over 25 years) or does it break due to over torqueing it while installing it?

 

[usetaboost]

Probably breaks from people gettin too rammy with it trying to put the belt on

 

[GNRick]

Ok, so operator error? We should just be careful with that 18 mm socket?

 

[87GNSteve]

Well actually if the width of the alternator's lower boss (that the long bolt passes through) is too narrow it will have some space between the tensioner and alternator.
When you go to tighten down the long bolt it can crack the little ear right off. I have had to "shim" some of the rebuild units to prevent this from happening.
I hope that made sense.... could piost a pic of what I mean if its not making sense.

 

[GNRick]

I think I get it. I replaced an alternator a few weeks ago. Maybe I just got lucky. Everything went smooth.

 

[coach]

Cast aluminum does not flex, it breaks. That's why those steel sleeves are in the tensioners to make sure they tighten on those.
I have always admired Halibrand wheels. They are cast and can hold huge horsepower, and it 50-60's casting technology. That's why they still demand big $$$ used.

 

[MrG6]

So my tensioner broke and can not find a replacement any anywhere. Is someone making these yet or know where to get one?

 

[TexasT]

So my tensioner broke and can not find a replacement any anywhere. Is someone making these yet or know where to get one?

There is a group over on ihadav8 that was ordering them from amazon. Not sure if they succeeded in getting any. This is why I scoop em up when I see one for sale.

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[TTA308]

Highway Stars, $ 349....

 

[TexasT]

They kinda got ya by the short n curlies if'n ya need one.

Funny no one has stepped up to produce some thing or adapt a common one.

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[earlbrown]

There is a group over on ihadav8 that was ordering them from amazon. Not sure if they succeeded in getting any. This is why I scoop em up when I see one for sale.

got this in my email this morning from Amazon....

Hello,

We're still trying to obtain the following item you ordered on August 19, 2013 (Order# 103-xxxxxxx-9232269).

"Gates 38374 Belt Tensioner"

Still want it? We'll keep on trying. To keep your order for this item open, please click the link below.
Otherwise, we'll cancel your order on October 25, 2013, if we haven't located it by then.

Looks like there aren't any and the pipeline isn't looking good either.


I also have no idea why the board keep adding strikeouts either.

 

[GNRick]

I have one of mine in the parts for sale thread. Asking $200 plus shipping. Apparently nobody wants it?

 

[tlap]

Gates 38374 Belt Tensioner
I got this from Amazon this morning,so I ordered one to have as a spare.

 

[87GNSteve]

Out of stock already.

 

[earlbrown]

It never shows it was in stock. When I pull up that page is says I ordered one in August. No idea why Amazon leaves that item up.

 

[usetaboost]

Just pay the 330 bucks. After all, they got time into buying all these up for you.

 

[87GNSteve]

When tlap posted today I was at the grocery store and read the email and when I hit the link it went to amazon and it said "In Stock"

Apparently this place has them/one....But not super cheap.
http://www.sears.com/gates-38374-belt-tensioner/p-SPM10871179715P

 

[usetaboost]

I guarantee the ones purchased of amazon didn't even exist. I checked the seller's site and they didn't even have one listed. If there was a run made or another chain store had one around I highly doubt any of the vendors would have left them there and not buy them up especially at that price. Hell I know if I had the money I'd be buying every single one up I could find and quadruple the price because I'm doing everyone a favor by finding them. <and this is a quote from a vendor lol

 

[tlap]

I got this notification from Amazon this morning.
I will let you know if it actually ships.

On Saturday, December 28, 2013 12:06 AM, Amazon.com <alerts-feedback-us@amazon.com> wrote:

Your Amazon Alerts

Availability Alert

We're happy to let you know that the item you requested is now available to order from Amazon.com.
Automotive

Gates 38374 Belt Tensioner

Availability: In Stock. Ships from and sold by Midway Auto Supply.
Price:$64.98