note to self: replace belt AND tensioner

 

I just made the same note.

 

Just posted in another thread the other day about how I was on borrowed time until I changed mine. 186k miles on OEM tensioner and belt. But I saved them both as spares on long trips!

To the OP: Congrats on the "easy'' solution and may you have a great trip!

 

Thanks, sadly I think it's going to be an eventful trip. the check engine light is back on other on the road for 20 minutes and the air conditioner is acting weird I can only get the defrost to work.

 

UH, oh. sounds like a vacuum leak. First place the check is the ESOF lines running to the front wheels and any other vacuum lines you can find.

 

I took a pic of the tensioner, it came off in pieces, lol. I guess I'm to new to post it though.

 

When the tensioner exploded, did it possibly damage a Air conditioner line?

 

That was my first quess as well:

Whine from power steering
lights going dim


Without a belt nothing is turning - including the WATER PUMP which can lead to over heating and bigger issues too...

 

I made that note last year after my brother was on the road in his high mileage Dodge and had the tensioner implode. Bought a spare for myself and keep it in the truck along with a spare belt. Easy fix on the side of the road if need be, but I figure the spare coming along is insurance in itself.

To the OP, didn't the dealer check the codes when you were in with the belt problem? Knowing what code is half the battle.

 

Hooray! the belt is fixed. Could the belt have knocked off a vacuum line?

 

maybe a chunk of belt flying around after it grenaded.

 

We're an hour from the Fl-Ga. Line, (love that band), the check engine light still glows, the AC has sorted itself out (wife doesn't understand the auto temp control) and the truck has run flawlessly for 700 miles. Three hours to go.

I'll get that light checked out in Gainsville during our stay. Let you know.

Thanks everyone. You had it called almost as soon as I asked.

 

Just picked up a new tensioner and confirmed I still have the old belt in the tool box. Bringing them along as an insurance policy for our road trip from Milwaukee to Niagara Falls next week. Towing the TT with us.

 

Glad to hear you got your tensioner fixed for a decent price.

I had the same-ish issue years ago in my 97 7.3L TD crew dually. An idler took a powder on me and I lost power brakes and steering. We were loaded up going to Denver, from Michigan, and had our then 18 month old son with us. Had to sleep in the truck in a hotel parking lot, they were full. Found the part at a local dealer and they tried to screw us on the price until I called my buddy at my local dealer. Went from a $200 pulley to $32. Stopped at a Pepboys for a wrench and a belt and away we went. Luckily we had my brother in another car following us so we had transportation.

Moral of the story, parts kit and some tools. Dont leave home without it!

 

Well I can't seem to find a gatorbelt for my 5.4, what am I doing wrong?!?