Serpentine tensioner setting up

[DrRich 1]

Just a (hopefully) quick question about this. On my Rotrex set up it's possible to move the idler pulley around to adjust tension on the belt, presumably to accommodate different sized pulleys or AC / non AC setups. This leaves me with a small problem, as I'm having trouble properly tensioning the belt, which squeaks a little when cold, although it does mostly go away when warmed up.

What I need to know is whether the tensioner is always under the spring tension or not. Here's a piccy:

So, when properly fitted and the bolt removed, should there be any gap between the two red arrows (and if so, any idea how much?), or should there be no gap at all (ie the one metal part is resting on the other)?

It seems sensible to me that there should be a gap, so that the belt is always under the tension set by the spring inside the tensioner, but I'm worried about snapping the belt from too much tension. I don't have a spare VR to check if there is a gap when the tensioner is fitted in the normal factory position.

Any ideas gurus?

[craggsy 91]

It will all depend on the belt. There wasn't a gap I don't think on my rotrex setup i don't think, and mine never squeaked.

The whole idea behind the tensioner is it never gets too much tension

[Lukey. 381]

Yea the tensioner is self regulated.

[DrRich 1]

Ok thanks gents. Back to the drawing board then...