Hey All. In the middle of replacing my coolant pipes with the aluminum variety and damn if I cannot budge the tensioner. I tried from above to no avail and now trying from above and it won’t even slightly move. Has anyone had the same issue and how were you able to overcome it? Thanks.

 

Never had the issue. The tensioner spring is pretty stout. Are you applying enough pressure? Are you sure you are trying to move in in the right direction (toward center of engine)? Not hard to replace if it is seized.

 

Yeah man, arms are all torn up. Rotating (or trying) in the correct direction. Is there a way to remove it with the belt on or best to cut the belt and then remove it?

 

Please forgive me if you thought I was trying to criticize - I wasn't. If I were you I would change the tensioner. If it is indeed bad it will be a real PITA to mount the new belt unless it is stuck in a lower tension position.

 

Not at all, definitely worth mentioning.

 

I absolutely can't remember how the tensioner is on the Jag even though I did the upper pulley in Sept, but I just did the water pump on my Audi this past weekend and the tensioner was very tight. On that vehicle the bracket that holds the tensioner has a bolt on the other end of it holding it to the engine. I loosened it and the tensioner then moved pretty easily. Not sure if this applies to the Jag or not but figured I would mention it.

 

Thanks, I loosened it and it moved a smidge more but not enough. I’m at the point of cutting the belt now I think.

 

if you cut the old belt, how will you put the new on one w/ the tensioner still not budging? I'm assuming you are using a breaker bar and not just a rachet wrench?

 

I think I would have to replace the tensioner along with the belt. I haven’t cut the belt yet but I’m at a loss at the moment