DR’s spring tensioner (Page 1/2)
hunter29 MAY 28, 05:36 PM
You guys know what belt is used as in car make and model?

I have it installed but can’t get the belt on. No luck finding the belt I have running the numbers on it. Trying to find out if it’s too short.

Maybe one of you know, just trying to cross reference in case I need to get another. All I have it the gates number and auto parts sites aren’t any help. None in stock either.Just want to get a jump on it While I wait for DR to get back to me.
thanks
Patrick MAY 28, 05:52 PM

Are you trying to put your original belt back on? It'll be too short.

Everything you need to know is in Dodgerunner's first post of his thread.


quote
Originally posted by Dodgerunner Here:

The belt is a Gates K050450 (45") or cross to other brands.



hunter29 MAY 28, 05:58 PM
I’m questioning weather he may have sent me the wrong belt, I have K450 (KP1143). Can’t find it to get exact length.

That or I’m not pulling the tensioner back enough, I’m putting all the pressure on it I can.
Patrick MAY 28, 06:03 PM

quote
Originally posted by hunter29:

I’m questioning weather he may have sent me the wrong belt, I have K450 (KP1143).



What does it measure? Is it not 45"?

Difficult to imagine that Dodgerunner would've sent you the wrong belt. He's been supplying these kits for ages!
hunter29 MAY 28, 06:21 PM
I know, just want to be sure before I force the tensioner back more.

I’ll hear from him soon.

[This message has been edited by hunter29 (edited 05-28-2022).]

Patrick MAY 28, 06:42 PM

quote
Originally posted by hunter29:

...just want to be sure before I force the tensioner back more.



It's not a matter of "forcing" it. The tensioner will only rotate so far.



hunter29 MAY 28, 07:16 PM
DR got back to me, used a longer flex ratchet for more leverage, it’s on , all is well.

Tomorrow I’ll do the wiring for the alternator and put the heat shield on and I will be done.

Thanks Patrick
theogre MAY 28, 07:17 PM
Belt Number often is off to actual length.
many say this in many catalogs etc. because can't make total exact match for each batch of belts.

Is Why most OE Tensioners have a "Window" to accept a belt bit loose or tight. And why many adding tensoiners as aftermarket "kits" often have problems and not just this.

Do Not Force a tensioner to take a belt.
Many will hate you and fail because hits limit at "top" of Range of Motion w/ a Short belt. OE tensioner for 87-88 Fiero 4 cyl isn't only one that can break when have a short belt. See my Cave, Serpent Belt

Worse, many alt etc have been replace and pulley may not be exact same as OE pulley. Small different in pulley diam can change belt length needed when you can't adjust the alt or whatever.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)


The Ogre's Fiero Cave

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 05-28-2022).]

hunter29 MAY 28, 07:35 PM
Thanks for the info..
Patrick MAY 28, 08:46 PM

quote
Originally posted by hunter29:

used a longer flex ratchet for more leverage...



It's been a long time since I installed mine, but I believe I used a 3/4"(?) open-end wrench on the squarish looking part at the top end of the tensioner (as seen in the picture above). Lots of leverage!


quote
Originally posted by hunter29:

...and put the heat shield



What are you using for a heat shield with the CS alternator?

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 05-28-2022).]