MMM Belt Tensioner Spring

[kcoburn]

The shaft in the belt tensioner hasn't taken grease in the 3 years I've had it. So I decided I better address it before it froze up, if it wasn't already. I got the spring off and found that it apparently was getting adequate lubrication. Now I gotta get the d---ed thing hooked back up. At 78yrs old, I'm no longer man enough to stretch it far enough to get it hooked up. Are there any tricks that might help me?

 

[85Hokie]

The shaft in the belt tensioner hasn't taken grease in the 3 years I've had it. So I decided I better address it before it froze up, if it wasn't already. I got the spring off and found that it apparently was getting adequate lubrication. Now I gotta get the d---ed thing hooked back up. At 78yrs old, I'm no longer man enough to stretch it far enough to get it hooked up. Are there any tricks that might help me?

You have an old screwdriver around .....flat blade??? Place a small notch in it, and use the notch to hold the end of spring, and pry back and allow spring to slide down into hold. Hold on carefully .....the screwdriver can be tossed a few yards if let go!

option 2 - find an old bar clamp and place it in parallel with the pulley and slow turn it so that it mimics the spring tension. Once the distance is closed enough, place the spring into place and then release the tension. I think I did this after cussing the screwdriver!

 

[MikeyA]

I use the hook on a brake spring tool which I have had for years. You might be able to pick up a spring hook from a local auto parts store.

 

[D2Cat]

If there is room I try to get a monkey wrench on the arm holding the spring and, if necessary, use a piece of cheater pipe over the handle...get the belt in place and let the spring back to do it's job.

I don't take the spring off, but use the leverage to get the pulley out of the way and the belt in place.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Vintage-A...452038?hash=item238a60c106:g:Ip4AAOSwvxZZeLiP

 

[kcoburn]

Thanks for all the good suggestions! Gotta be one of them that'll work for me.

 

[anthonyv]

I use a steel bar about 24" long. I cut a groove with a 1/4" hand grinder blade a few inches on one end to fit the spring post to keep it from slipping off. Then I place the bar on the post, hook the spring, lift the bar & let the spring slide down the bar onto the post, similar to the screwdriver method. A little grease helps as well.