[Shotimes] need a 3.0 alt / AC belt tensioner

[Justin Schick]

Greetings all,

I learned my lesson, if something looks too close for comfort, don't leave it like that:

My battery died in January after 3 or so years of faithful service. I decided on an Interstate because of good experiences I'd had with UPS batteries I buy from them for work, besides already knowing of their good reputation in the automotive world. While I was replacing it at the time I noticed it was awfully close to the tensioner pulley for my alternator belt, but was in a hurry and decided to leave it be. Well, it was too close. For the past three months the tensioner pulley has been eating into the battery, to the point where it put a hole in it and the acid was leaking out and being sprayed everywhere. I didn't notice it until I went to change my oil recently. So yesterday I contacted them, verified I had the correct battery for my application, and asked what they could do to help me out. I found a spacer on the bottom of the battery in my Mustang, that fit the Interstate and solved the interference problem. I took it with me while procuring the replacement, and noted it didn't come with a spacer either. Long story short, the guy said it wasn't exactly a manufacturer defect, but he treated it like one. After showing him my receipt and telling him my story, I left with a replacement battery absolutely free! 

So I've got the engine bay cleaned up as best I could, and she's back on the road. But, the tensioner took the brunt of the abuse and looks really bad. Are there any sources now that Mr. Fitz is out of the game? Thanks for any leads,


Justin Schick
silver 92 SHO in KC MO
204k and counting quickly