Acdelco 38103 Belt Tensioner

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Caman96

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So I got this Acdelco 38103 Belt Tensioner and then noticed Acdelco 89017309 Belt Tensioner. Gotta feeling the second one was better option. Anyone have any feedback on the 38103? Haven’t installed yet and could return it. Box says Made in Mexico but both Tensioners are stamped Made in Canada.
 
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454cid

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I'd go with whichever one is from the OEM line, instead of the Professional line....although I suspect they're the same. I believe the oem manufacturer was Gates.
 

Caman96

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I'd go with whichever one is from the OEM line, instead of the Professional line....although I suspect they're the same. I believe the oem manufacturer was Gates.
why do you feel one is better or even different than the other? just put it on and use it
Because the one I didn’t get is routinely more than double the price which does tell you something. Also, the paperwork inside is from Gates. Acdelco does have different quality levels. Look the one I have just might be fine, I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with the 38103 version. If some were chiming in with “that ones garbage” I wouldn’t bother even installing it. If I don’t hear any negative feedback I will use it!
 

454cid

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38103 is actually the Gates number. That's probably the same number I put on my dad's old 96 350. I had originally purchased it for my truck, but my original kept going and going. When I finally replaced mine, I only replaced the pulley with a new Gates part. I've read that the bolt can strip out the aluminum in the tensioner, but mine was fine.

My dad's old 96 got sold, so I dont know how that tensioner is holding up....the one I replaced had seized.
 

Steve A

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Agree with 454cid, It's a Gates p/n in an OEM box which indicates Gates was probably a supplier to GM at some point. Later ones could be Chinese and tariffs would explain the price increase.
 
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