3.8 tensioner

[jtigger]

My tensioner is shot. I've seen alot posted on the 3.4 but havent seen much on the 3.8 and the Haynes manual has no info about replaceing it. A few ?'s I assume the alternator has to come off are there any other surprises I'm gona run into? I have 148k on my 98 firebird so I think I'm gona replace the water pump while I have it torn apart. Is there any gaskets or other things I'll need or should replace? What kind of time should I expect to spend replaceing it?

[JoshMcMadMac]

I do not think you need to pull anything to change the tensioner. It should just be a matter of removing the belt, unbolting the bad tensioner, and then bolting the new tensioner on. Just remember that the tensioner is reverse-threaded. ;)

[MustangEater8251]

I think it looks the same as one on a 3.4L... jsut 2 bolts on it...

[jtigger]

Well it turned out to be alot easier than I thought. Had it off in 20 minutes. Just 2 bolts and the one to the alternater. Now I have to find someone open on a Saturday that has the 2 plastic pipes going to the block and water pump.