Happy New Year guys

As usual, one job turns into two... first job, replace the alternator

first step is to remove the drive belt - to do that you rotate the tensioner arm to relieve the tension on the belt. there is a square hole in the tensioner arm to accept a 1/2 in breaker bar. I'm goo to here.

Problem is that the 1/2 in hole has broken off (with no release of tension)

Any suggestions? How does one replace the drivebelt tensioner arm?

Thanks,
So annoyed...

 

Cut the belt off and remove the bolts holding the tensioner to the motor. Replace the tensioner tighten the bolts and replace the belt with a new one. Somewhere in there replace the alternator.

 

Seriously Bill! That would be completely awesome if that is all that is involved! From all of my previous (and very novice) experience stuff is never that straight forward.

I think you just made my day. Thanks!

 

What year truck do you have?

 

2001 4x4 and the tensioner is now off! Thank you so much!

 

18 ft lb torque on those bolts for the tensioner.

 

Seriously - Thank you very much Bill - I really appreciate the advice.

Removed the alternator and took it to Advance for test - failed.

 

Rep points are always greatly appreciated!!

 

Not sure if you noticed, but to the right of the alternator, just down a little, there is a hole there that could take another idler pulley, but for some reason, Ford never installed one.

I took the bolt holding the pulley from my old tensioner and used it to put another idler pulley to the right of the alternator. I thought the previous owner had lost it so I installed another one. I didn't like the idea that the belt could dance too much there.

 

I also added the second pulley on the new motor. The books don't show one there though. Not sure why it was or wasn't there. The new motor is still sitting in the garage though.

 

Did y'all need a longer belt to accommodate the additional pulley?

 

Nope. It just adds a tiny tension, not much at all. It deflect the belt maybe 1/4" or so.

 

Excellent

I might have to look into that - thanks.