Hello all, found this forum[img]smileys/smiley4.gif[/img] while researching this problem.


I have a 1997 LaSabre with the 3.8 engine. The other day the belt tensioner pully bearing seized up, burning off the belt and the pully. After looking at the old one a while and purchasing one today, I have questions I hope someone can help with. The tensioner assembly is part of the water circulation loop to the heater. There are 2 90' fittings that the hoses attach to that appear to push into the housing and have a small bracket that attaches with a screw to the housing. Then one of the other connections has a o-ring installed that would seem to push into the block or waterpump and the other connection looks to be some sort of a push in with the part being pushed in looking to be a plastic 90' that will be between the tensioner assembly and the block.


My questions start with should the old fittings work or should new stuff be installed. Also have question of how to install.


The Haynes Repair Manual has NO reference to the belt tensioner so any help from anyone will be great.


Thank you. Mark

 

Going from memory, but I think you should definitely replace the o-rings and probably the plastic elbow. I think that elbow is prone to cracking and I think that was the part I replaced with a metal elbow (from Buick) on mine. The installation is pretty obvious as you get into it.

 

Thank you for the help MrBSS. I called local dealership and they said they have 90' in stock and are ordering the correct o-rings for replacement.


Seems like a very unnecessary design for this part. Also, seems a bummer that the front motor mount must be moved just to install a belt.


Thanks again,


Mark

 

Yes, but you have to remember that this engine was originally the Buick V8. A lot of "band-aides" have been applied over the years.