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Carver Mariner 350 serpentine belt tensioner

Posted: May 11th, 2019, 9:03 pm
by Blake
Greetings,
I had my alternator rebuilt over the winter. On splash day had a chirp from port engine, same as alternator that was rebuilt.

2002 Carver 350 with 6.2 L.

Looking at it, it looks like the belt tensioner pulley is not aligned with the other pulleys and is starting to chew the belt.

I didn’t touch any brackets but somehow the tensioner pulley is now angled. I only see two attachment bolts and both are tight. Has anyone experienced this?

Almost looks like I need a spacer on top bracket bolt but again I didn’t take anything off.

I’m attaching photo of the pulley and added yellow lines to show how the belt should be running.

The photo with arrow shows how the bracket seems to be out of alignment.

Thanks in advance.

UPDATED photo showing pulley and how it’s lined up.

Re: Carver Mariner 350 serpentine belt tensioner

Posted: May 11th, 2019, 9:19 pm
by km1125
Is the bearing going bad in the tensioner pully or in the pivot?? Take the belt off and spin it and see if there is ANY noise or play. Also check the pivot to see if there is ANY play as you rotate from "fully released" to "fully tensioned" positions.

Re: Carver Mariner 350 serpentine belt tensioner

Posted: May 11th, 2019, 9:22 pm
by Blake
No the pulley spins free no noise and no slop.

It looks like pulley bracket needs a spacer?

It seems like the inboard side of pulley needs to be shimmed away from engine.

I’ll try moving pulley from full released to full tension.

Re: Carver Mariner 350 serpentine belt tensioner

Posted: May 12th, 2019, 5:58 am
by bud37
Could it be the bracket was like that all along and was not noticed till the alt change ?....is that a new belt now or the old one ?.......for what its worth I had to change pulley wheels on the tensioner on mine, if its worn or the thru bolt is worn....check them out.

My guess..... the pulley is not seated just right., look behind it there is a ridged slide, if you have loosened it off too much it can get crooked....If that is not it, then no big deal to put a washer in the bracket to get it straight if you have to.

Re: Carver Mariner 350 serpentine belt tensioner

Posted: May 12th, 2019, 9:24 am
by Blake
Thanks bud37. It may have always been that way but never had a chirp and the belt wear I am seeing. It’s the old belt.

I’ll compare to starboard engine, the pulley spins freely and no slop in it. So maybe bracket?

Thanks

Re: Carver Mariner 350 serpentine belt tensioner

Posted: May 12th, 2019, 5:00 pm
by tomschauer
Are you sure its not the alternator pulley that's misaligned?

Re: Carver Mariner 350 serpentine belt tensioner

Posted: May 12th, 2019, 8:13 pm
by Blake
Tom, alternator pulley in line with crank pulley using a straightedge

It’s hard to see in photo but the tensioner pulley is definitely not in alignment.

There like a 1/16th to an 1/8th gap between straightedge right side on the tensioner.

Re: Carver Mariner 350 serpentine belt tensioner

Posted: May 13th, 2019, 12:46 pm
by km1125
Seems like it's also very close to that hose, but it might just be the pic.

You could also consider swapping the tensioner pully on both engines and see what each looks like. That would also give you the ability to compare them side-by-side which may reveal more differences. They should come off pretty easily... maybe two bolts??

Re: Carver Mariner 350 serpentine belt tensioner

Posted: May 13th, 2019, 1:46 pm
by bud37
Here is a visual of the parts to that thing....When you turn the 5/16 end there it turn the gear and ratchets the wheel up and down.....the 5/8 is the lock...

Re: Carver Mariner 350 serpentine belt tensioner

Posted: May 13th, 2019, 1:56 pm
by km1125
So this is not a spring-loaded tensioner, but just an adjustable pulley? I'd definitely be checking that bushing to see if it's unevenly worn.

Is this actually how you adjust the belt tension, or is there another spring-loaded tensioner in the system?