Tensioner Pulley Pointer Not Rotating - S185

[BentSpace]

My tensioner pulley (drive idler) died, so I got a used one. This new one seems to spin just fine and if I grab the pulley and the arrow indicator plate I can rotate it by hand and the spring will rotate it back when I let go. Though when I install it and try pushing it down with a crowbar the pointer doesn’t rotate. Even if I try to help it get started and rotate it some by hand it still won’t move any further with the crowbar. I tried spraying the backside with WD40 to help it not stick, but it’s still not rotating. Not sure if this means it’s defective or what.

 

[Bobcatdan]

The pointer is really not need for setting. Normally when I adjust drive belts, I loosen the bolt, but leave it snug enough it will hold the tensionor in place. I use a 3' prybar and with a help, tap on the pulley with hammer using a piece od alum. square stock as a punch. I say I do this 90% of the time when adjusting non new tensionors.

 

[BentSpace]

The pointer is really not need for setting. Normally when I adjust drive belts, I loosen the bolt, but leave it snug enough it will hold the tensionor in place. I use a 3' prybar and with a help, tap on the pulley with hammer using a piece od alum. square stock as a punch. I say I do this 90% of the time when adjusting non new tensionors.

Thank you Dan. I thought that the pointer has to rotate in order for the tensioner to be able to put the right tension on the belt and self adjust it as it wears. So tapping it will get the pointer moving?

 

[Bobcatdan]

Thank you Dan. I thought that the pointer has to rotate in order for the tensioner to be able to put the right tension on the belt and self adjust it as it wears. So tapping it will get the pointer moving?

I have found that by prying and tapping at the same time is the ticket. I hav done it by myself with the help of a cherry picker, but it sucked

 

[BentSpace]

I have found that by prying and tapping at the same time is the ticket. I hav done it by myself with the help of a cherry picker, but it sucked

Tried it by myself, that didn't work. Going to find some help. Where are you hitting it with the aluminum square stock? Perpendicular to it's rotation or straight in from the back, on the grease cap or on the part that touch the belt or into the face? Will a rubber mallet work if can't find any aluminum? Thank You

 

[mikeprince]

Tried it by myself, that didn't work. Going to find some help. Where are you hitting it with the aluminum square stock? Perpendicular to it's rotation or straight in from the back, on the grease cap or on the part that touch the belt or into the face? Will a rubber mallet work if can't find any aluminum? Thank You

I just installed a new belt tensioner on a 753 and had the same problem. The trick was to pre-tension the adujster while off the tractor. Flip the tensioner over and use a screw driver to tension is just a little, enough to move the pin in the slot as seen from the back. Then use the fat head of a large tie-wrap to prevent the pin fully reseting. Now install the tensioner, lezving the tail of the tie wrap hanging down behind the belt and easy to remove. Now the crow bar should very easily move the pointer. Remeber to remove the tie wrap before closing everything up.