Serpentine Belt Tensioner

[johncarrol]

I just got a new belt tensioner/pulley assembly for my 1991 6.2 and I noticed the pulley is installed on the new one with its face in toward the engine. My old one "origional?" was installed with the pulley face out. The belt seems to ride centered with the new one, but I'm wondering if the pulley position does'nt matter, wouldn't it be better with the face out if the belt still rides centered? This I believe would result in the air pulled through by the fan, flow better over and around the pulley, instead of some being trapped inside it.

[DmaxMaverick]

The pulley is backwards. Never seen one like that. Having the "cup" open forward would likely collect dust and debris, and possibly leave the bearing seal exposed to moisture and dust. Air circulation may be beneficial in some way, but I think the other things circulating into it would counter any benefit.

[johncarrol]

I purchased the ACDELCO OE SERVICE 15602650 belt tensioner on eBay for $63.68 total from seller: 1stcallautoparts. GM must have redesigned it because when I flipped the pulley, it hit the casting as shown in the photo. I installed it the way it came and so far, no problem.

[DmaxMaverick]

That is interesting. Looking up the part number, pics are showing it both ways. Maybe it was a redesign. I dunno. Use it the way it works, but I sure don't like it that way.

[johncarrol]

The second photo shows how it looked when I slid the pulley on with the face out. The pulley hit the casting before it bottomed out on the shaft. It also shows the large washer that covers the bearing that will not work on either side if the pulley is placed that way. Go figure. nothing is simple anymore especially when you think it will be.

[DmaxMaverick]

I understand, and I'm sure it's OK, just that it's counterintuitive. I may have seen dozens of them, and just never noticed. Stranger things have happened. I suspect there may have been a redesign at some point, as the part number shows it both ways, OEM or aftermarket.