Pulley spreader- on the cheap

[Rick Berman]

after reading some past posts, I looked for a pulley speader (to tighten the belt) at harbor freight.  they didn't have one, but I found something better: a reversable wood clamp.  Now i have a spreader and an extra clamp on board.  check it out:

[Rick Berman]

forgot to add the price:  $2.99!

search link: [alternator belt tensioner]

[learjetzz]

 Great idea ,  have to try it , Good Luck with the new baby !!

[Ron Hill]

Rick : Great thinking!!  It will even work on an engine that has the raw water pump in the way of using a belt tensioning tool (like an M25XPB and M35 BC - if someone needs it) ! 
Good idea.   

[John Langford]

I recommend a belt tightening tool combination which is already in your tool bag. Loosen bolt holding alternator to arm. Place tip of fairly large screwdriver against head of bolt. Tap head of screwdriver gently with hammer until desired belt tension is achieved. Tighten bolt.

[Stu Jackson]

Let's do this again, folks.  John's right, not all engines need this device.

As noted originally in the alternator belt tensioner article (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3667.0.html) the engine you have will determine whether you need this tool or not.

M25 series engines definitely do.

The later engines, where you push down to tighten the alternator, do not.

That's why telling us what engine you have in your signature, and photos, really help.