[MBZ] Serpentine Belt Tensioner Components

[l02turner@comcast.net]

I replaced my tensioner components at 104k Miles - for me, it's easier to 
change all the pieces at once - also, since the lower pivot can really 
damage things if it breaks - it's the critical piece.  It should be changed 
as soon as you can see it is now longer aligned with the belt - it will cock 
closer to the engine.

Also - to check the lower tensioner - look at it while the engine idles - 
you can use a long sturdy screwdriver to pry the tensioner back into 
alignment -

To change everything was ~$200 in parts from Rusty.

Sincerely,
Larry T ('74 911, '67 MGB, 91 300D Turbo)
A Blood Test for your oil - www.youroil.net
For Test Results http://members.rennlist.com/oil
Weber Carb Stuff http://members.rennlist.com/webercarbs
http://members.rennlist.com/my_911/Index.htm For my Paint Job Info
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Marshall Booth" <mbooth+ at pitt.edu>
To: "Mercedes Discussion List" <Mercedes at striplin.net>
Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2006 2:04 PM
Subject: Re: [MBZ] Serpentine Belt Tensioner Components


> M.Afzaal Khan wrote:
>> Hi!   At what mileage did you have to change this.? just like to know 
>> what
>> is the life of a belt tensioner and other  idler pulley's associated with 
>> it
>
> The original tensioner arms and idlers used on '84-'85 OM60x engines
> seldom lasted more than 50-75kmi. The later ones seemed good for
> 75-150kmi. By the '90s they may still be better (the aftermarket ones
> MAY not be - I haven't had any of them in long enough to know). Factory
> shocks seem to last 75+kmi while aftermarket ones seem more likely to
> fail by 50kmi. The belts on my cars seem to go for 75kmi as long as the
> arm and idler are in good working order (a bad arm, idler, shock or any
> belt driven accessory will cause a belt to fail prematurely).
>
> YMMV as climatic and environmental factors DO play a role in life of
> these parts.
>
> Marshall
> -- 
>   Marshall Booth (who doesn't respond to unsigned questions)
>       "der Dieseling Doktor" mbooth at pitt.edu
> '87 300TD 182Kmi, '85 190D 2.0 161Kmi, '87 190D 2.5 turbo 237kmi, '84
> 190D 2.2 229Kmi (retired)
>
> _______________________________________
> http://www.striplin.net
> For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/
> For used parts email okiebenz at striplin.net
>
> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
> http://striplin.net/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_striplin.net
>