The alternator belt is tension to about 12 pounds. This figure is however not a static figure.
Loosen the alternator tensioner bolt. You will be able to slide the alternator either way to adjust the tension on the belt.
If it is a serpentine belt, the tension is automatically adjusted by the tension idler. If the belt is loose then the tensioner needs replacing. If it is a normal drive belt, then the alternator is mounted on a slotted bracket that allows you to adjust the position of the alternator. You can loosen the bolts and adjust the tension on the belt.
If it is a drive belt and not a serpentine belt is has no tensioner. You manually adjust the tension by normally adjusting tension by moving the alternator. Loosen to bolts holding the alternator in place and then adjust the tension. Tighten the bolts when the tension is right. If it is serpentine belt if you follow the belt around the the engine you will see the tensioner.
The 93 Acclaim has a serpentine belt. The tensioner below the alternator is what keeps the tension. If you have not tension I would replace the belt first and then check the tensioner.
if the car doesn't have an automatic tensioner than if the belt is around the alternator pully you loosen the bolt holding the alternator on and move the alternator to tighten the belt.
If the alternator is driven by a drive belt, the answer is yes. You adjust the tension by loosing the bolts on the alternator mounting brackets and sliding the alternator until the proper tension, (around 1/4" deflection at mid point of the belt) is achieved. If however it has a Serpentine Belt driving the alternator, then there is no adjustment. Tension is held by the idler pulley. If it is loose then the belt is worn out, the idler tensioner is defective, or both.
Assuming you have a serpentine belt on that 3.3L engine, the tension on the alternator would be controlled by the idler (tension) pulley. The alternator is stationary.
The alternator is rotated on it's pivot to adjust belt tension.
First you will need to loosen the tension on the belt in order to remove the belt. After that, you will need to remove the bolt holding on the alternator. Installation is the reverse. Dont forget to tension the belt
Disconnect the 1982 Regal alternator. Loosen the alternator bolts and slide to release belt tension. Put new belt on ( you may have to remove other belts to gain access) and pull the alternator sideways to put medium tension on the belt while tightening the bolts. Reconnect the battery.
"First Remove the Tension bolt from the alternator and remove." "Next take a hammer and gently tap the alternator down" "Do the same with the Tension Mount" "After realigning the alternator and the Tension mount replace the bolt" "BE CAREFUL NOT TOO TIGHT ON THE BELT OR YOU WILL RUIN THE BEARINGS" "GOOD LUCK"
loosen the tension on the belt with the tension pulley, remove the belt then disconnect your wires from the alternator then take the 3-4 bolts, holding the alternator on, off. then do the opposite to put the new one back on