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Bradley C
Bradley C asked in Cars & TransportationMaintenance & Repairs · 9 years ago

cause and effect of a bad belt tensioner?

I have a 95 ford taurus. The belt tensioner is obviously bad. When the car idles, the belt flops all over the place, squeaks, and i can see the tensioner flopping around as well. My concern is that when i put the car into gear, i hear the belt squeal and the car stops running immediately. The coil pack, spark plugs and wires are all brand new. The cap and rotor are fairly new and everything seems to be in working order. Also, as soon as this happened with the tensioner, there is a drastic loss of power when accelorating. could the loss of power, shaking, and motor stop running when put into gear be caused by the bad tensioner?

Update:

I understand the purpose of the belt. I understand what the belt drives. When your car breaks down, you dont know that you have a bad tensioner until you get it started and see that it is bad. That is why i started the car with a bad tensioner. It is called troubleshooting. I understand all the risks. I plan on replacing the tensioner, i was looking for extra adice on what else i should take into consideration in doing so. I appreciate evryones help.

Update 2:

Nomadd is a top contributor? Sounds more insulting than informative. Thanks for the info on the water pump buddy.

6 Answers

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  • Cliff
    Lv 6
    9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    replace the tensioner and see what happens.

    i personally just go ahead and replace mine every time i change the belt.

    tensioners have to move in two different fashions, its got the pulley that pushes on the belt that must spin nice and easily.

    and its got the arm that pulley is on that needs to be able to move back and forth at all times while still keeping a certain amount of pressure on the belt. too much pressure can be as bad as too little.

    it does tend to double the price of a belt change. but i get 100,000 afterwards with NO problems from the belt(s) and what they drive.

  • Anonymous
    6 years ago

    This Site Might Help You.

    RE:

    cause and effect of a bad belt tensioner?

    I have a 95 ford taurus. The belt tensioner is obviously bad. When the car idles, the belt flops all over the place, squeaks, and i can see the tensioner flopping around as well. My concern is that when i put the car into gear, i hear the belt squeal and the car stops running immediately. The coil...

    Source(s): effect bad belt tensioner: https://tr.im/X5pKy
  • kevusaborn
    Lv 7
    9 years ago

    Well, you know you've got a bad tensioner. Fix it. The alternator is obviously affected by

    this which is creating additional problems. Furthermore, if that tensioner wheel comes flying

    off and hits the radiator. You're really gonna have problems.

  • Nomadd
    Lv 7
    9 years ago

    Why would you even start the engine with a bad tensioner? That belt runs the water pump you know?

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  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    it has nothing to do with the belt. try a new fuel and air filter. Also you said you changed spark plugs you should put new plug wires on and if it has a distibuter cap replace that and the rotor

  • Mike
    Lv 6
    9 years ago

    your belt turns the crank its loose when you put the car in gear the belt is flopping it is not turning crank Serpentine belt

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