impeller changeout on Volvo D3 200hp

[max from alaska]

The Ranger Tugs Factory Tech video showing how to change the impeller on an R27 says to turn a bolt on the belt tensioner with a ratchet "clockwise" to loosen the belt for removal. In the video it appears to turn easily; however for my engine it won't budge at all. Does anyone have recommendations on how to turn this?

 

[Red Raven]

Hi Max,

It takes a fair amount of leverage. I use a socket wrench with a “longish” handle and adjust the angle so I can get the most leverage. If still no joy, your tensioner is likely frozen with corrosion and needs to be replaced. I believe it is a single Allen head bolt holding it in place. I think it is fairy common for these to freeze up do too salt water coming out the raw water pump during impeller change out. I always make sure to run fresh water through the system before changing the impeller. Others I know completely remove the tensioner when replacing the impeller to keep it away from the raw water.

Curt

 

[dclagett]

If the tensioner is corroded if may be salvageable by spraying WD40 into it. If you look closely at the tensioner there are places where one can spray the WD40 into it using the red tube supplied without getting WD on the belt. I found my tensioner several years ago frozen in place. While I was waiting for the new tensioner to arrive I did the WD treatment and using a socket exercised the tensioner. Surprisingly, the tensioner came back to life quickly. I still have the original tensioner installed and a couple times each season I do the WD treatment.

 

[max from alaska]

Thank you very much, now I know my suspicions are valid. I’ll run through the options on this.