"MoPar Man"  wrote in message 
news:4E63B08D.6A7B2C43_at_Man.com...
> clamz wrote:
>
>> > Was that an external belt-tensioner?
>> >
>> > Or was that the timing-belt tensioner (which you can't see
>> > unless you take the timing cover off) ?
>>
>> My ignorance - I was referring to the serpentine, air conditioner
>> and alternator belts vs. the timing belt.  I'm guessing that was
>> an external tensioner for those belts.
>
> When dealing with the timing belt tensioner, you're going to come across
> these terms:
>
> - tensioner
> - pulley
> - hydraulic tensioner
> - Timing Belt Hydraulic tensioner
> - damper
> - timing component kit / roller kit
>
> Some of these terms are just different names for the same thing (ie
> damper might just be another name for tensioner).
>
> The tensioner might be 2 or 3 different parts (arm, hydraulic part,
> pulley) and when you start having some parts guy looking it up, you're
> going to find that the original part number is superceded to another
> number, which is superceded to another number, etc.
>
> Even with my car (6 years newer than yours) I had that issue about
> needing a new idler arm to go with a matching pulley or some such
> nonsense because the original pulley was no longer available.
>
> If you go with non-MoPar parts, I think most timing belts come in the
> form of a kit (belt + pulley / tensioner) as well as belt alone.
>
> When it comes to the water pump, again you're going to find that the
> original P/N is superceded to a newer P/N etc etc and then discontinued,
> so the ultimate replacement is aftermarket brand.
>
> Also, you should have the front-main seal replaced because it's right
> there and easy to do.  It should be cheap ($12) and cost practically no
> additional labor cost.


Thanks for the advice.

Much appreciated.