Just fried my tensioner pulley on this 4.3L (the actual pulley wheel, it turns out, was what I thought was a can in the road that "I ran over" on the way too work----they both look the same when you run over them at 60 mph and watch them roll down the road in your mirror!). My ?---- I can buy the pulley wheel/tensioner hub at an auto parts store and/or the dealer---are these a simple remove and replace bolt on? Mine's located at the top of the motor and easily accessible---I have the long socket/breaker bar to "pull" the new pulley so I can install the belt, etc. What I was wondering is if there is some trick to actually replacing the pulley/tensioner itself? Don't have my manual here at work and I'm waiting on a ride to get the part so thought I'd ask. Thnx very much Patton This is on a 88 S10 4X4 Blazer 4.3L V6
I don't own a Jimmy, but my dad has an 88 S-15 w/ the 4.3. I've seen the assembly, but never seen it changed. Here is a statement I found on a car forum regarding the Jimmy tensioner: Installed the new belt tensioner. Went very easy. Undo center bolt, pry off old tensioner. Move belt slightly out of way of tensioner pulley, align up center bolt with its hole and align the small guidepin on back of tensioner with its hole, tighten up the bolt. Carefully force the tensioner pulley down at the same time sliding the belt into position over the pulley grooves, Check belt grooves are aligned. Done!
Thnx for the advice guys---got it fixed---can't believe it....a one bolt installation part that goes on smoothly without any of the usual descriptive words. Woo-hoo!. Appreciate it. Patton
Left hand threads on this pulley! And don't forget to check the idler just below the tensioner. This one is usually made of plastic but can be replaced with a steel one from NAPA. I have two new ones laying on the bench waiting for installation after I get done with the freeze plug replacement. It is about time something broke after 200k miles. 92 Jimmy
