QV ac condenser tightening sequence

This is a common-ish problem (but it's "compressor" not "condensor").

Do you have the maximum number of shims, item 6 (or washers) on the upper studs (items 3)? I'd use as many as possible (while just keeping the Nylock element of the nuts, items 5, engaged with the threads on the upper studs) to move the AC compressor as close as possible to the crankshaft:

http://www.ricambiamerica.com/parts_catalogs.php?M=FE&P=&V=diag&I=2356

I assume the lower bracket is already as close as possible to the crankshaft (i.e., you're at the lowest position the slots allow)?

 

But is this the maximum number possible? I.e., if you still have some of the upper threaded stud extending beyond the upper nut Nylock feature, I'd (equally) add more spacers/washers, because

if possible, you want the lower bracket as low as possible. Having the compressor as close as possible to the crankshaft increases the wrap angle of the belt around the tensioner pulley and helps prevent the clacking/clicking noise that many 308/328 Owners report at cold start-up and helps prevent glazing the pulley surfaces (i.e., if the wrap angle is to low, the belt will slide over the tensioner pulley rather than rotating it).

 

Then always tighten the 3 top studs, leaving the lower bracket to slide. then tighten that to the compressor and then to the belt cover. Then adjust tension with the idler pulley.

 

I don't think you necessarily need the "official" shim -- just some decent quality flat washers of quasi-uniform thickness would do IMO. The official shim has a slot cut in it (like a front suspension A-arm shim) that does make it easier to add/remove without taking everything apart, but it also makes it easier for them to fall out . Since you've got everything apart, I see little downside to using a stack of flat washers (and they're a heck of a lot cheaper -- even www.allferrariparts.com price for the official part, which is the lowest I could find on-line, is painful). Don't know how many you'd need on each stud (regardless of which type), but you've got the right idea -- use enough to where either you run out of thread on the upper studs, or you run out of slot on the lower bracket. IMO, even if you get as much wrap angle on the tensioner pulley as possible, it's still a marginal situation as far as how much wrap angle a good design would have.

V-belts do stretch a little with use/age, and different batches may have slightly different lengths (even though the manufacturer is trying to hit a specific length). Even though 1 shim was what was in there before, your SPC says something like "use as many as necessary" rather than "use exactly 1".

 

No trouble Kim -- glad to have an interesting technical discussion with a fellow 308 DIYer doing the useful task of keeping a 308 in good running order and driving it! (Although my 308 experience is starting to fade from memory... ).

You did show good sense by recognizing that the belt was too tight (even before the tensioner was added) and that you needed to do something other than just put it all back together as it was.

I still can't believe the prices (although I know that this is a very low-volume simple part so the handling and administrative hassle/costs far outweigh the actual value of the part). I called McCann's price painful, but Ricambi's price is quasi-unacceptable, and eurospares' price is literally frickin' insane