Can somebody explain to me, how to read the markings on the sepentine belt tensioner.
It's a '88 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350 TPI.

Thanks from The Netherlands.

 

It'd help to have a picture, but basically when the belt is new and in good condition the arrow on the portion toward the front of the car should be between the engraved scale on the rear portion. As the belt stretches the arrow will move from the drivers side to the passenger side of the scale, and when it hits the side of the scale it's time to replace the belt because the tensioner can no longer adjust to the proper tension for more length. Hope that helps.

 

Thanks,Rezinn.
I can see how the tensioner works all right,but I can't understand the markings,on the not movable side there's a mark,on the movable side there are three marks on the driversside,than a large "gap"and then,on the passengers side there is one mark?
Mine is now on the third mark,just before reaching the gap!

 

Hmm I'm starting to rethink how I'm picturing it... I could swear that there is an arrow in there somewhere, and when it points toward the end of the gap(the passenger side of it), the belt's done.

 

More thoughts??