I had a local shop replace my water pump and power steering pump on my 1988 DeVille. He obviously didn't understand the belt tensioner 'cause he installed it with way too much tension. I can't even flex the belt it is so tight! Damm jerk. Now my alternator bearings are shot. I don't want him touching my car again so I want to replace the alternator myself. After replacing it, how do I adjust the belt tensioner to have the correct tension on the serpentine belt? Can I adjust it by feel or sight? Thanks!

Oh, I did a forum search but couldn't find anything directly answering the question on tensioner adjustment.

The tensioner is automatic, there is no adjustment for it. You can't overtighten one. I would say that your alternator bearings were just ready to go and you happened to change the belt!

You were right on, CaddyDaddy! I replaced the alternator myself. I had to take the tensioner off (and the air conditioner dryer) to remove one of the alternator bolts. I found out that my 1/2" breaker bar was real handy when putting the tensioner back on. It helped me fit the locator tabs on the mounting side of the tensioner into the holes on the support for them. My ol' red '88 is back on the road! I did forget to disconnect the battery at first but after a small shower of sparks, I took care of that.

Good, glad you got it all back together ok. One thing that you should have checked was the idler pulley on the tensioner and the other idler pulley on the engine. They can go back after many miles and start making noises. They are cheap and easy to replace, and save you from having to do that and more if they ever do fail.

Where is the other idler pulley? I can't see it...

It is directly under the alternator.

Thanks!