New (to me) truck. 92, 2wd, ext cab, about 133k on her.

There is a squeeking coming for the front of the engine. It starts when the engine does and stops when I shut the engine off. I believe it to be one of the idler pullys, however, I realized yesterday that the tesioner is frozen so I can't get the belt off. I hit it with PB Blaster and am going to spray it and try it each day till it comes loose.

Is this (frozen idler) common and is it a bad idea to put a wrench on it and crank till it moves, or tap it with a hammer while cranking on it?

Thanks,
Joe.

 

It may be the tensioner itself that's causing the problems... if it's seized and not putting the proper tension on the belt something may be slipping.

If the tensioner is that bad I'd be just cutting the belt off, replacing the tensioner and swapping a new one on. Just my .02!

 

Just to be sure I'm not missing something... ...there isn't a set screw keeping the tensioner from moving is there? I couldn't see one, and anything else I've changed a belt on with a tensioner you just put a wrench or ratchet on and pull. The idler pulley, the one not attached to the tensioner has a tiny tiny amount of play.

Thanks,
Joe.

 

There shouldn't be a set screw, it's supposed to be able to move.

 

cut the belt, put on a new idler and a new tensioner with arm.

 

My belt squeaks like nuts! I cant find the problem for the life of me though

 

You might want to check the water pump pulley for play. Mine sounded like an idler pulley,but on removing the belt the water pump had play in it,as the bearing was starting to go out. Also take a look at the A/C clutch as it can also squeak.New water pump,no more birds.