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Idler bolt spins

DEERE3594

DEERE3594

I welcome everyone...not just Penguins!
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My 97 needs a belt, went to put slack in the idler/tensionor and the bolt spins, and it wont stay tight. Do I need a new idler or is there a fix for this?
 
Im trying to take the tension off so I can get the belt off, and the bolt you put the braker bar on spins to take the tension off the spring.
 
DEERE3594 said:
My 97 needs a belt, went to put slack in the idler/tensionor and the bolt spins, and it wont stay tight. Do I need a new idler or is there a fix for this?
Click to expand...

Isn't there a 1/2 female square made into the idler arm somewhere to loosen tension???? I remember using a std 1/2 ratchet might have used a short pipe for cheater just to make it easy. Seems like that is what I remember last time.
 
Well I took the bolt out to red lock tight it, and it snapped a couple threads in. there isa torex holding the complete tensioner on, and that wont budge loose. not that it matters, is special order from ever part store
 
schiker said:
Isn't there a 1/2 female square made into the idler arm somewhere to loosen tension???? I remember using a std 1/2 ratchet might have used a short pipe for cheater just to make it easy. Seems like that is what I remember last time.
Click to expand...

I don't think these trucks have that...at least my '92 doesn't. I have seen that handy setup on fords and a few others.

If the nut is spinning, I would replace the whole idler assembly. Last time I checked AZ had them in stock.

If you can get it loose you could remove the assembly and see if it's just a type of nut insert that just needs to be tack welded in place.

Good luck
 
schiker said:
Isn't there a 1/2 female square made into the idler arm somewhere to loosen tension???? I remember using a std 1/2 ratchet might have used a short pipe for cheater just to make it easy. Seems like that is what I remember last time.
Click to expand...

Some have them and some don't.....I don't know if it is a manufacturing difference, or just from parts that have already been replaced.:confused:
 
I went to look and yeah I have one on my 97. I bought it used at 60K miles and think its OE but it might have been replaced. The idler mechanism on these trucks has been reported to fail and cause problems.

By the way don't waste your time on a cheapie or medium grade belt it'll just stretch out then squeak/squeal. Get a good thick belt with good "rubbery gription" on back side. I had good luck with Carquest gold. Napa premium at the time didn't look as good. Look at them and compare. I have heard a mixed bag of results with different brands.
 
I have a brand new gates 38118, should be same one for your truck. mine went out in new mexico and had to buy one there. If you want it let me know. don't know if you can wait.
 
docdray said:
I have a brand new gates 38118, should be same one for your truck. mine went out in new mexico and had to buy one there. If you want it let me know. don't know if you can wait.
Click to expand...

PM sent, thank you!
 
schiker said:
Isn't there a 1/2 female square made into the idler arm somewhere to loosen tension???? I remember using a std 1/2 ratchet might have used a short pipe for cheater just to make it easy. Seems like that is what I remember last time.
Click to expand...
mine has it but it is a 3/8 not 1/2 inch. and it makes it easy when you put a ratchet in there. Ed
 
Not a great pic, but if yours is the same, undo the nut on the plastic
tube coming from the turbo, just above the alternator - when it's lifted
up, you can see the hole for the 1/2" ratchet to move the tensioner

2006_1101_021427AA.jpg
 
Tookie said:
Not a great pic, but if yours is the same, undo the nut on the plastic
tube coming from the turbo, just above the alternator - when it's lifted
up, you can see the hole for the 1/2" ratchet to move the tensioner

2006_1101_021427AA.jpg
Click to expand...

Tookie, who makes your air cleaner set-up?
 
Auto Zone cheapie, recleanable like K&N, but only around 30 bucks.
And you ought to hear the turbo sing! That's an old pic, got rid
of the vacuum setup and put a home made TM on it since then
 
I would go to rock auto and order gates. Made in Canada (usually), and most all of them have a 3/8" square (i haven't seen a 1/2" square on automotive, and we don't own any serpentine big diesels, so idk what they have)
 
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