Drive Belt Tensioner Diagnosis for Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1996

Tools Required

J 23600-B V-Belt Tension Gauge

Notice: Routine inspection of the belt may reveal cracks in the belt ribs. These cracks will not impair the belt performance. The belt should be replaced if the belt slip occurs if a section of the belt ribs are missing. A single serpentine drive belt is used to drive all engine accessories. All belt driven accessories are rigidly mounted with the belt tension maintained by a spring loaded tensioner. The indicator on the movable portion of the tensioner must be within the limits of the marks of the stationary portion of the tensioner. Any reading outside of these limits indicates either a defective belt or tensioner.

1. If belt slippage occurs and the drive belt tensioner is within its operating range, check the belt tension usingJ 23600-B .
2. Run the engine for 10 minutes.
3. Shut off the engine and check the belt tension between any two pulleys, using J 23600-B and record the reading.
4. Run the engine for 30 seconds.
5. Repeat step 2.
6. Run the engine for 30 seconds.
7. Repeat step 2.
8. The belt tension is the average of the three readings taken.
9. The drive belt tension should be 155 to 243 N·m (35 to 55 lb).
10. Replace the drive belt tensioner if the belt tension is below the minimum specified and if the drive belt tension is within operating range.