Conversion to 88-95 serpentine question

[reb162]

So, in preparation for my crate engine, I made the decision to go with an 88-95 Chevrolet truck serpentine system rather than the original multiple belt setup.

I got the brackets and mounting bolts off ebay for a 1995 Chevrolet C1500. It came with no tensioner or idler pulley so I purchased those for a 1995 c1500.

ACDelco 38108 Professional Automatic Belt Tensioner and Pulley Assembly

ACDelco 15-4957 GM Original Equipment Drive Belt Idler Pulley

On the bracket with the belt tensioner (P/N 10118751) the idler pullet fits fine, but the belt tensioner appears to have an issue. The bolt hole in the tensioner appears to be too large. The bolt measures as a 12mm 1.75 thread bolt and threads into the bracket just fine. However, the bolt is very loose in the tensioner, more than I'm comfortable with. Anyone else have this issue. Was there originally a sleeve in the tensioner?

The bolt mics at 10.79mm at the shank where the tensioner would mount. The hole in the tensioner mics at 14.21mm

Any ideas? Do I have a mismatch in parts somehow (all part numbers check out good for 1995 c1500 by my checks). Am I missing a sleeve?

Appreciate any help.

[Warrens69GMC]

You need an adapter

[B. W.]

There should have been a sleeve in the box. Not all tensioners use the sleeve. (different manufacturers) FWIW, I'm using a '94 serp setup & using the tensioner in the pic. It doesn't really matter but I like the looks of the OE tensioner better.

[reb162]

I figured there had to be a sleeve, and of course there was none in my box. I also bought oem. Out of curiosity, what part number did you buy? I guess I need to return mine and get one with a sleeve or try to find a sleeve.
Bob

[B. W.]

OK, I just pulled an old tensioner out of my junk pile, it's an original GM tensioner that I replaced a couple of weeks ago. It measures the same as yours & it had no sleeve. I think you fine running it without a sleeve. The pin on the back locates it, all the bolt does is provide clamping force. (A little slop never hurt any one - - loose is fast!)

[Artofdeath]

Originally Posted by B. W.

OK, I just pulled an old tensioner out of my junk pile, it's an original GM tensioner that I replaced a couple of weeks ago. It measures the same as yours & it had no sleeve. I think you fine running it without a sleeve. The pin on the back locates it, all the bolt does is provide clamping force. (A little slop never hurt any one - - loose is fast!)

Ha, spoken like a drag racer!

[Bigdav160]

I thought the bolt had a shoulder, under the head, to keep it centered.

[reb162]

The bolt does have a larger shoulder, but I believe the top area of the tensioner where the bolt goes in is also wider. I'll mic the bolt and top of the bolt holes tonight and post pics and measurements. I tend to agree that maybe there was just meant to be slop. The locator pin really helps to center the tensioner a bit, and then the bolt just is a tension bolt to hold it on.