Will too much belt tension on a swamp cooler cause the motor to burn out?

Most motors on swamp coolers have an "automatic reset thermal overload". So while your cooler will run, you'll have to keep climbing up on the roof to adjust it after it cuts out every 15 minutes. Obviously this isn't the best way to go about it. The instructions for your motor should be available online to help you figure out the correct tension. It's always best to get it right the first time but sometimes it can wind up as trial and error. I installed my motor, pump, belts, etc by watching YouTube videos. My husband usually causes more harm than good so I generally install the hot water heaters, Plumbing, masonry, cooler maintenance, etc and leave him to do the dishes! Sometimes it's hard because they expect you to have all the fancy tools for measuring the tension but if in doubt, hire the next door neighbor's landscaper to do it for you! I generally just have to flirt to get him up there but you might have to throw a couple bucks their way if you're a male!