Just wondering where the release for the belt is, it seems easy enough I watched my mechanic put my water pump on and he took a socket and loosend this bolt then the belt became loose, he took the pump off put another on and tightened the belt up again, I would appreciate any help on putting a new alternator in my car, also where is the cheapest place to get one online, part # would also help

thanks alot

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1988 Formula 350
Maroon, 5 speed
Edelbrock 750 cfm carb
Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold
Hooker super comp. headers
Hookerheaders 3 inch cat-back
3 inch pipe from headers all the way to the muffler
Gutted cat
K&N filter
WS6 Package
ATGI underbody purple neons
Black light interior

 

Is it the one long serpentine belt that spins all of the accessories; or does your engine have several v-belts. If it is the serpentine belt, right where the belt tensioner is there is a place(a square) to insert a 1/2" drive ratchet. Put the ratchet in and rotate it counterclockwise(if I'm not mistaken) while removing the belt.

 

Aye, put a 1/2" drive breaker bar or ratchet into the square of the tensioner and rotate counterclockwise.

If it's a v-belt setup, you need to loosen the alternator to get the belt off. When you have the new one on, have a friend hold it tight while you tighten the bolts.

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89 iroc-z 305 tbi
k&n filtercharger, open element air filter. nuffin' else

 

my old 91 z28 was probably the easiest damn alternator to replace. i got a rebuilt one from autozone for 60 bucks i think

 

Its not a v-belt config, its just one belt powering all my stuff, the standard im sure on all our 3rd gens, where is the tensioner located on my engine? as much detail would be greatly appreciated
thanks

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1988 Formula 350
Maroon, 5 speed
Edelbrock 750 cfm carb
Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold
Hooker super comp. headers
Hookerheaders 3 inch cat-back
3 inch pipe from headers all the way to the muffler
Gutted cat
K&N filter
WS6 Package
ATGI underbody purple neons
Black light interior

 

On my engine, the tensioner is right next to the a/c compressor. It consists of two metal circles. One is the wheel that puts the tension on the belt, and the other is grey in color and it has the square opening for the ratchet. The grey piece also has some markings that are used to check belt stretch. If you look on the radiator cover, there should be a sticker that shows the routing of the belt and where the tensioner is.