94 Ford F-150 5.0 RWD


So I noticed the idler pulley was bad real bad. There was also what appears to be plastic bits stuck to the tensioner pulley and it sounded kinda grindy. So I ordered replacements from rock auto as well as a new belt.

I was able to get the craptastic plastic idler pulley off easily. But I pulled a dumb **** with the tensioner pulley. I had no idea that the threads where reversed.

I wound up removing the whole tensioner then pulled another dumb ****. I recently got a Milwaukee M12 3/8 inch stubby impact. I could not get it on the bolt while the pulley was on the truck. I could have if I removed the shroud. So what do I do. I try to hang onto the thing and hit it with the impact 😮. That was a mistake. I probably banged on it for 15 second or so to realize my hand was taking all the force and I was actually tighten it. My hand went numb and is now sore. 😮🤷‍♂️😂.

Anyway I went to the local parts store and just bought a replacement tensioner assembly. Replaced everything. Then I realized it was reverse threaded. 🤷‍♂️. It might be the original one so it might have needed replaced some time soon anyway.

Well now I have a new tensioner assembly and a craptastic plastic idler pulley as well as the new tensioner pulley I originally purchased. I read that you can use a metal tensioner pulley in place of the craptastic plastic idler pulley. They are the same diameter however the tensioner is thicker. Any idea if this will work or is that a bad idea? I’d rather ditch the plastic.

I’ve read the F250 5.8s have metal Idler pulley and will fit the F150 5.0. I already have the metal tensioner so if it will work Im gonna swap it. If not I may just buy a metal one next time.

Thanks.

 

Sounds like you'll be fine. Check belt alignment before you start it. Turn it over by hand to be safe.

 

Yes the 250 piece is metal. Been using one for years. All the plastic ones I see are cupped on the face long before they seize or start to drag.

 

There are only two reasons I can see for Ford using a plastic pulley...cost and weight. But, when it fails, it can fail in spectacular fashion and literally shatter apart with no warning. Yes, yes, use the metal one.

 

I'm running into the same problem on my 95 5.0 with the pulley starting to grind. Which pulley are you using from the 250, the tensioner or idler to replace the plastic idler pulley? I can only seem to find plastic ones at my local parts store.

 

I believe you need to ask for an idler pulley for a 95 F250 with the 5.8. I’ve not tried to look for one yet. I’m trying to get my heater to work right. 🤷‍♂️

 

Oh i was under the impression you had put the metal one on, I was going to ask if you knew the part number. So you wound up replacing it with a stock plastic one? Or which did you choose? Part number? I tried asking the guy at the parts store but hes no help unless it involves the cash register. Funny how I always end up back on this site lol

 

That's what I did. Got the tensioner that way too.

 

I had ordered one off of rock auto it was the plastic one I did not realize it was plastic. I needed the truck running so I just installed it. I’m probably gonna swap it to a metal one soon. It’s already starting to groove the plastic and I’ve only put maybe 500 miles on it tops.