OT - Ford v10 serpentine belt help

[Jeff C]

bought a new serpintine belt, and thought I would "change it out myself.

Does anyone know how to release tension off the belt tensioner? And keep it off while I put on the new belt?

I have 94k on the Excursion, and I want to change the belt before we go to IP in a few days.

Has anyone done this belt change out themselves?

I have the truck in the garage right now and I want to do it NOW........if possible......

Come on you mechanics, any good tips?

[RustySeaRustyDoo]

Go buy a Haynes manual...Wish I could help ya, DOnt have a FORD.

[01xdime]

Jeff, you should have a spring loaded tensioner or idler pulley with the belt routed around it. Usually you can stick a 3/8 or 1/2 ratchet in the square hole on the tensioner arm like you would insert the ratchet into a socket. You can then turn the ratchet to release the pulley from the belt but be CAREFUL! When you pull on the tensioner arm you're adding tension to the spring and when you let it go after you remove the belt it could smash your hand or shoot the ratchet out. Remember to make note of how the belt is routed unless you have a diagram on your fan shroud. It's not as hard as it sounds. Good luck.

[RustySeaRustyDoo]

Jeff, you should have a spring loaded tensioner or idler pulley with the belt routed around it. Usually you can stick a 3/8 or 1/2 ratchet in the square hole on the tensioner arm like you would insert the ratchet into a socket. You can then turn the ratchet to release the pulley from the belt but be CAREFUL! When you pull on the tensioner arm you're adding tension to the spring and when you let it go after you remove the belt it could smash your hand or shoot the ratchet out. Remember to make note of how the belt is routed unless you have a diagram on your fan shroud. It's not as hard as it sounds. Good luck.

Nice instruction Dime bag...

[01xdime]

WTF now i'm a pothead? LOL

[Jeff C]

Thanks guys - I got it done

I machined a piece of metal that fit in a slot when you relieve tension so it would stay in the "untightened" position.

It was sort of a bitch getting all the ribs lined up on the pulleys, doing it by myself.....

thanks again for oyur help

[RustySeaRustyDoo]

WTF now i'm a pothead? LOL

Every other night...

[01xdime]

Jeff glad to hear you got it done. They can be a pain in the ass sometimes especially if you have no room in the engine bay and a truck that sits high. Same with my F-350.