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Belt Tensioner

All we can do is try. The NAPA mgr ordered mine, and I hope I know something by next week. Will post on here when I know or have it. I could very well be in the same boat!!! No part.
 
I called on the ones I ordered .. NOS Gates units ... they swear that they're being procured and will be here by end of October or Mid-November. We'll see. That's why I haven't taken any money from anyone who offered to buy a couple. Not until they are in my hands.

But if it does work I'll be able to order a bunch more ....
 
The ones I have on order now are spoken for unless they decide to back away. Either way, if it works out I'll let everyone know. Keeping my fingers crossed that this supplier to telling the truth. Time will tell ...
 
For curiosity I called DM auto parts today checking about getting a tensioner. They did a search of all of NAPA stores and found none. They said they were tied into the same search as a NAPA store has.

I asked how should I find the part? They told me to have NAPA contact the mfg. Well that is what NAPA has done down here, and hopefully I will know next week.
 
I did some homework and found out I can change the bearing in the pulley, and not go to a replacement pulley that doesn't look original. I think that is where the noise on mine might be coming from. It's funny that I only hear it at idle, and in gear. But I still hold out hopes of finding a replacement tensioner that I can hold on to as a spare just in case. I wish I would have gotten one last year...:mad:
 
I put a Gates one on last winter, because the original was broken at the top bolt. So it needed replacing. Very happy with the Gates one, the only thing I did was change the pulley that came with it to a better pulley.
 
I did some homework and found out I can change the bearing in the pulley, and not go to a replacement pulley that doesn't look original. I think that is where the noise on mine might be coming from. It's funny that I only hear it at idle, and in gear. But I still hold out hopes of finding a replacement tensioner that I can hold on to as a spare just in case. I wish I would have gotten one last year...:mad:

If you need just the bearing ... let me know I got about 10 or 20 of them .. easy to change just be careful pressing them out then back in.

If I remember correct the bearing size is identical to what GM used in the strut towers as well.

Jan
 
I called on the ones I ordered .. NOS Gates units ... they swear that they're being procured and will be here by end of October or Mid-November. We'll see. That's why I haven't taken any money from anyone who offered to buy a couple. Not until they are in my hands.

But if it does work I'll be able to order a bunch more ....
Phil,
I already have 1 on order with you. I have the belts (2) which I got from Jan, would it be prudent to have a spare belt tensioner if you can get more? What I mean is does the belt tensioner have to be installed with the new belt and since the belt tensioners are so hard to get, should I have a spare to go with the spare belt i have? sorry if this is a dumb question. Lynn
Diamond car 603
 
Jan - I definitely could use the bearing. I am just wondering if its worth shipping one from across the pond. Any idea where I might be able to get one here? Do they carry them in auto parts stores? If so, what part number or size bearing is it?
 
Jan - I definitely could use the bearing. I am just wondering if its worth shipping one from across the pond. Any idea where I might be able to get one here? Do they carry them in auto parts stores? If so, what part number or size bearing is it?

You can just press the old one out and bring it to the parts store and they can match it for you, it will have a part number (manufacturers) on there.

I got mine from a company selling bearings, seals etc to the machine industry so they had the complete sellection.

Try locally and if that fails let me know.
 
Got my stock of bearings out (see photos) and it's a 6203RS (so make sure it's the sealed version or they will seize up on you) ... see 6203RS Bearing 17x40x12 Sealed Ball Bearings

I got 4 I can part with if anyone need one or more ... just pay shipping and PayPal fees and round it up and it's all yours.
 

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I put a Gates one on last winter, because the original was broken at the top bolt. So it needed replacing. Very happy with the Gates one, the only thing I did was change the pulley that came with it to a better pulley.

So the Gates tensioner came with a different pulley on it? The two none OEM ones I have that I got from nos4gn.com have the identical OEM pulley on them and I thought Gates got them from the same manufacturer (the original OEM manufacturer in Canada)?
 
The pulley looks stock on the Gates tensioner. The replacement pulleys look like an ugly generic plastic pulley.
 
The pulley looks stock on the Gates tensioner. The replacement pulleys look like an ugly generic plastic pulley.

Aha ok, yep that makes sense as I've seen a really crap looking stamped metal version and a molded plastic version (that do look ok I think) ... so they get those from somewhere else (China/Taiwan I bet) clearly.
 
So the Gates tensioner came with a different pulley on it? The two none OEM ones I have that I got from nos4gn.com have the identical OEM pulley on them and I thought Gates got them from the same manufacturer (the original OEM manufacturer in Canada)?

When I got the tensioner from oreillys it had oem pulley on it. So I put it on the car and did not like the clearance between it and compressor, so I took it to oreillys and got the other metal pulley that I like better. Now later I changed to a new belt and now I have more clearance. Old belt was old and stretched. But I still like the new pulley better, just my preference .
 
Lynn ... when I get them (IF I GET THEM lol) I will immediately let you know. If they come in then I know I'll be able to order as many as we need. We shall see. Let this play itself out and I'm trying to be patient too! lolol :)
 
Manufacturer, backordered. Could take some time!!!

Will be interesting to see if you get one or not ... my understanding is that they wont make any new ones but who knows enough backorders and $$$ talks so maybe they will do another run of them ...
 
Do you have any idea how long. In a difficult place. Also need help - Need new oem radiator and probably new hoses for it and ghe water pump I was advised to get. Have a vety expensive quote to take engine out and rebuild engine, turbo, transmission, thoroughly clean engine and protect it. Not zure I can afford it. Told it will be numbers mTchung.

Trying to get as many parts oem myself so won't have huge mark up. Can you give me links for the radiator and everything needed for it and heater core?

Being optimistic - if possible TWO of the belt tensioners.
ThNks
Lynn
Sick CR 603
 
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