Went to start my '99 V10 E350 van (for the first time in a few weeks) this morning and there was a high pitched squeal from the engine area. Gave it a bit of gas and all quite. Battery light came on. Shut it off and found the fan belt was hanging off... snapped.

Tried all the pulley's the belt came into contact with and it was clear the alternator was seized. Guess my weekend is already planned out for me

Fairly straightforward job is it? Looks like I can get to it after I remove that top air intake "bottle".

What do you use to pull on the tensioner to install the fan belt?

Any brands of alternator's you find more reliable?

Thanks for the help!

 

There should be a 1/2 inch square hole in the Tensioner for a Ratchet or a Breaker Bar to pull it back, getting the right angle is the trick........and as always spend the money and get real Motorcraft parts....

 

I had mine rebuild, the shop buffed it up for more amperage, my case front bolts required complete removal, he replaced it with the slotted one, just have to back the bolts out and slide it off.

 

Maple's idea of finding a qualified and high-quality alternator rebuilder is great----they often times can reman alternators to better-than-new specs with much better components too. Check your local yellow pages for someone who does this.

OR I've used NAPA's best quality alternators with stock output/capacity and have nothing but great experience. At that level you have lifetime warranty too.

Definitely do NOT scrimp on the belt---NAPA also has good quality for about $40 last time I needed one.

HTH

 

I'd opt for the rebuild if possible.

Taking a look around it appears "rebuild" can mean several things. A complete rebuild includes bearings, brushes, rectifier and voltage regulator. That last part can be very costly ($50 - $60) and some do not mention they offer to install a new one.

One place offered me just bearings and brushes for $130. Seems high.

I was also told if mine is seized it may be hopeless as it may now have a damaged stator. Odd this happened so quickly since I had no waring it was going. No noise of any kind up until yesterday when I tried to start it.

Have yet to pull if off to see how bad things really are.

 

Typically you'll find the better repair operators are those specializing in big trucks or industrial equipment. Vehicles like vans and/or pick ups are pretty much small potatoes to them but even so they'll do a good job.

You should receive an offer to do something simple and cheap or more extensive priced accordingly. $130 for brushes & bearings only is high---I'd keep looking around.

If all else fails there's always new!

 

a rebuild kit is only around 30 bucks
All you have to do is make sure the stator is ok

3G | Alternator Starter Rebuild Kits

 

I miss the old V-belts, these toothed ones don't last as long, which must be the reason they make them, yet call it a V-belt, I had to buy a new one for the 73, always put a new belt on.

 

The cross section of a toothed belt is still a V IIRC, toothed belts are meant for tight turns. The teeth allow the belt to compress putting less stress on the outer surface. I notice them to be quieter in such applications. But it's ironic if they don't last as long.

Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 190K miles

 

Less material, so they are cheaper, and not lasting as long gives them the ability to sell more, pretty sad, but tells how old mine is on the van, and why it's making noise, it has no teeth, it's ancient. LoL