Can anyone please tell me how to tighten a new alternator belt on 3.0 v6? I can't get it tighter than 100 lbs. FSM calls for 160 lbs. +or - 20 lbs. That seems awfully freekin' tight. I'm checking it with a Klik-it belt tension guage. Thanks all.
-Don

 

it's a subjective thing, although manuals call for a certain amount of tension, it requires a special gauge which many shops don't even have/use. On an average bite, you should be able to pull about 1/4-1/2" -ish. Not sure if the tool you have is good or not, never used one.

Too loose and it will squeal and slip, too tight and it will cause premature wear/failure. You can easily get it right in the middle just by feel.

The shorter the section you are pulling on, the less give it is going to have versus a long section in between pulley's will have a bit more. but 1/2" of give is probably the max you want.

 

Thanks AA1911. That's what I've finally concluded. My particular model does not have an adjuster on it like the A/C does, so you have to pull it tight with a giant screwdriver as a lever. Best I could do, tight as I could get it at about 100 lbs. I'm showing about 1/2 inch deflection i guess. But as you say, it's really subjective because it all depends on how hard you press on the belt! good enough and thanks!