Wed Apr  8, 2009
From: Edward Pomeroy 

John:

Thought the DB listers might like to see what a busted belt tensioner spring
looks like, I mean, it only lasted 195,400 miles (1993 300D).

Left to right, new spring with rubber guard, old spring with rubber guard
removed (the rubber actually held this together and did not allow the spring
parts to wrap around the belt, a life saver that) and on the right, my Lowes
hardware special, get-me-home spring design.  Note the very intelligent
adjustable tensioning method and two standard S hooks pounded shut on one
end and widened on the other.... ;-)  
My son lives 150 miles from my place and I was visiting him when the god
awful screeching started at all speeds. Visually could not spot the break of
course, covered with a rubber hose, but noted the belt slack as could be.
No Benz parts places open in Lansing MI on a Sunday, so off to Lowes. Tools
limited to pliers and a hammer (I will be sending my kid a tool kit soon :-)
).

In any event, got me home without a hitch, new spring arrived today, and is
now installed.  I always say that part of the pleasure of old cars is how
they force inspirational engineering.....yeah, that's the ticket!

Edward