88 Fiero belt tensioner (Page 1/2)
Worcen SEP 16, 01:18 PM
Hey guys,

Picked up an 88 fiero Iron Duke last weekend. It doesn't run and the guy had the engine out so I had to put it back together. I was trying to put on the serpentine belt and I snapped the belt tensioner at the threads....I know Rodney Dickman sells a replacement but it's pretty pricey. I've been asking around Facebook marketplace and some other fiero groups. Does anyone know of anywhere I can get a new belt tensioner assembly? Or a different part number that will work? I feel so dumb for snapping mine 😂 if not I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and get Rodney's. Glad he still makes them!

Raydar SEP 16, 04:49 PM
Don't feel dumb. It looks like the metal was cracked, and had already started to oxidize. If it hadn't broken for you, it would have broken fairly quickly, anyway.
I ended up buying Rodney's tensioner a few years ago, because the bearing in mine was shot. The pulley wore a groove in my timing cover.
Even then, there were no "regular" ones available.
Best get Rodney's quickly. He's retiring, and not restocking when he runs out of most things.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 09-16-2025).]

Vintage-Nut SEP 16, 05:15 PM

Yes, some of Rodney's stuff can be expensive, however they're also 'top shelf' items; you'll not be disappointed.

------------------
Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 09-16-2025).]

steve308 SEP 16, 07:41 PM
I have the Rodney 'Idler' and it works as it should. If you want an 'spring loaded self adjusting tensioner' the Dodge Runner set up is the one you want to save up for. Spend a few extra dollars on either, it's money well spent.
1985 Fiero GT SEP 16, 08:14 PM

quote
Originally posted by steve308:

I have the Rodney 'Idler' and it works as it should. If you want an 'spring loaded self adjusting tensioner' the Dodge Runner set up is the one you want to save up for. Spend a few extra dollars on either, it's money well spent.



This thread is about the 88 iron Duke, which does have a tensioner stock, with limited replacements, as opposed to the idler/tensioner often added on the v6.
Worcen SEP 16, 09:37 PM
Thanks guys! Maybe I'll give Rodney's a shot. Gotta wait until payday though very excited to get this thing running. I've wanted a fiero ever since my dad took me to the GM show in Carlisle, PA a few years back!
Dennis LaGrua SEP 17, 07:59 AM

quote
Originally posted by Worcen:

Thanks guys! Maybe I'll give Rodney's a shot. Gotta wait until payday though very excited to get this thing running. I've wanted a fiero ever since my dad took me to the GM show in Carlisle, PA a few years back!



That's great and good luck with the car. All new Fiero owners, purchase an antique automobile but somewhat of a classic. If you enjoy working on old cars and doing restoration work you will enjoy driving and owning it. The Duke engines are known for reliability, excellent gas mileage and long service life. On the belt tensioner a while back there was an article on a person that used a brand X similar tensioner and adopted it. I will look for it. My guess is that it came from a later Duke engine

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 09-17-2025).]

Worcen SEP 17, 10:37 AM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:


That's great and good luck with the car. All new Fiero owners, purchase an antique automobile but somewhat of a classic. If you enjoy working on old cars and doing restoration work you will enjoy driving and owning it. The Duke engines are known for reliability, excellent gas mileage and long service life. On the belt tensioner a while back there was an article on a person that used a brand X similar tensioner and adopted it. I will look for it. My guess is that it came from a later Duke engine



Thanks! I've been a car guy since I was small. My dad believed in teaching the kids while they're young how to do a lot of basic mechanical work. So I'd always hold the light whenever he needed me to when he worked on his old cars. He's joked that his 79 Continental is my inheritance 😂

And yeah, the v6 is faster but I figured the Duke would be more reliable which is why this 88 was the perfect buy for me. Don't really care about going fast, just care about enjoying an older car.
steve308 SEP 17, 02:56 PM

quote
Originally posted by 1985 Fiero GT:


This thread is about the 88 iron Duke, which does have a tensioner stock, with limited replacements, as opposed to the idler/tensioner often added on the v6.



oops.
richard in nc SEP 17, 05:13 PM

quote
Originally posted by Worcen:


Thanks! I've been a car guy since I was small. My dad believed in teaching the kids while they're young how to do a lot of basic mechanical work. So I'd always hold the light whenever he needed me to when he worked on his old cars. He's joked that his 79 Continental is my inheritance 😂

And yeah, the v6 is faster but I figured the Duke would be more reliable which is why this 88 was the perfect buy for me. Don't really care about going fast, just care about enjoying an older car.


my 87 goes fast enough to keep up with traffic.