Need to replace my Serpentine belt- should I buy OEM ford or after market- say Gates or whatever. Thanks

Also what are some good vendors to buy after market and Ford OEM parts.

Thanks

 

I bought mine at NAPA, been fine.
You may want to consider replacing the top radiator hose to one that is routed outside of the belt. Do 'em both at the same time. Do a search for the hose on here.
Make darn sure you have an illustration of how the belt goes back on!!!

 

Single alt setup:


Dual alt setup:


Stewart

 

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There's an EZ to use online catalog on Ed's website.

There are THREE different belts listed for 1999 and later Super Duty 7.3's.

 

Lisa was quite impressed with the gatorback belt that she got at Auto Zone. Just passing on her comments.

 

Thank you-- got-r-done

Just picked one up at NAPA. As mine was ready to break.

Stewart thanks for the diagram. Will save this one

 

I went with the OEM Motorcraft belt. It is recommended to replace it every 100,000 miles. Mine still looked pretty good (very few cracks), but I replaced it, along with the idler pulley. The pulley had a slight wobble, but the bearing felt smooth.

 

IIRC, the belt routing image should be on top of your radiator support arm on the driver side between the end of the radiator and the driver side battery, facing up. Then again, it is a Ford applied sticket, so I guess yours may have either peeled or been otherwise removed. I was awfully glad to find it when I replaced my belt 3 weeks ago... very handy to have when you're facing the engine and trying to figure our the routing after the old one is off!

 

I got mine from the Steelership because the NAPA near me didnt have it, and amazingly the steeler was only $2.00 more than NAPA!

 

Replaced my tensioner (disaster barely averted} top hose and belt yesterday. All Gates. Save the old belt for an emergency spare.

 

The top radiator hose is either a later model hose (not listed for my '03 so I had to get one for an '02) or for the dual alternator setup.

I had a Gatorback in my old F-150 for years and it was great too...

Just my .02

 

Great ideas-- thank you to all.

Picked up 16 qts of Mobil 1/ diesel today at Maomart for $26 per 4 qts. My son actually works at a large diesel truck stop and even with his employee discount Maomart was less. Will be switching over to syn and then onto the lift-- exhaust--cold air -- and programmer.

Can't wait for some new gadgets...

 

Don't get a programmer. Get the DP from Jody.

 

I bought a new one from Ford, along with a new idler and tensioner. The new belt squeeked. I put the old one on and put the new one under the back seat for an emergency.