97 Taurus OHV 56,000 miles - It seems like a simple installation - a new idler pulley and serpentine belt. My old idler bearings failed which apparently caused my serpentine belt to shred. I bought a replacement idler pulley and serpentine belt from Advance Auto. The replacement idler pulley is plastic. My original is metal. I installed the new idler pulley, tightened the bolt, and it would not turn. I thought, maybe it's because it is a cheap plastic pulley. So I called CarQuest who had a metal replacement idler pulley. I bought and installed this metal idler pulley, which looked almost exactly like the original one I took off. This pulley also would not turn when the bolt is tightened. There is a washer between the bolt and the pulley, but I don't think there was one between the pulley and the engine. I have read where other people have had this exact same problem, but I have not read any knowledgeable solutions. Neither of the autoparts places had any idea if another washer is required. Does anybody know why I am having this problem, and what is the correct solution?
Thanks
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