Whenever my A/C is on, I think the tensioner is rattling, its really loud. Is my tensioner about to go? It doesn't rattle when the A/C is off. I also noticed that my car is VERY VERY VERY SLOW with the A/C on. Is it supposed to put so much load on the engine? Some cars you don't even feel the engine struggle.

 

your tensioner is about to break . Mine did the same thing about 3 years ago . It gets VERY VERY VERY VERY slow , like you said , that is a symptom . Plus it will rattle and make noise .

 

Last time you did a tune up was????
With my 1985 S-10 Blazer (had the car since 1989 w/AC operational),
Yep, it does really drag down the engine power upon take off.
Up to and at speed, does well again.
Again, these are economy engines, designed to reduce emissions and get decent gas milage.
AND THESE ENGINES ARE OLD. Like over 100K miles and what, close to 20 years old now?
When was the last time ya met Jack LaLane at an Old Folks Home?
I can't wait to turn on the AC in my Blazer with the 3.4.
I can't wait to get my AC charged in the Firebird with a 3.4!
I believe a low milage 3.4 block will certainly overcome the drag of an operational AC unit, from a standing start.
I hope.
IF NOT, atleast I'll look cool as I loose the race for that open road space!

 

I agree the tensioner might be about to go. But it could be a couple of more things. The head pressure on the A/C compressor may be getting too high,putting more pressure on the belt. Some of the causes for that could be too much freon or filter /drier getting stopped up or radiator fan not coming on. If you know someone with guages have it tested. If not ,try the tensioner first because it would probably be cheaper than sending it to an A/C shop.
I have the same car as yours and my A/C puts some drag on the engine.

 

Tenioner replaced. It was a bizznitch gettin the bolts out, had to move the alternator. Tell me somethin guys. Is the tensioner supposed to kinda bounce around very little at idle? It smooths out when the RPMs go up. This new tensioner has a more accurate indicator thats more sensitive. The rattling <i>did</i> go away.

Total cost $69.xx
$42 for the tensioner
$22 for a new belt.

 

Normal. Don't worry.

 

Is it still very slow when you take off with the AC on ?

 

That is the exact problem i had a year ago, it was rattling like crazy under the extra load of the AC. I don't know if i noticed a change in my acceleration afterwards. Let us know the results.

 

It doesn't drain it as much, and I noticed the air didn't get hot when I was stuck at a light, maybe because it was cooler today. But overall I'm satisfied.