Belt tensioner question

[Chadillac]

Got it out! Looks like the plate that compresses the top to the bottom completely snapped. Should I replace the idler pulley since this thing had wedged itself against it?

 

[Chadillac]

The bolt that holds the idler pulley on is a T-50 regular thread. The bolt that holds the tensioner to the block is a 13mm.

 

[ttman4]

The bolt that holds the idler pulley on is a T-50 regular thread. The bolt that holds the tensioner to the block is a 13mm.

Yes it's not snowing so I went and cked mine & you're right. Idler is T-50 with a big flared head bolt.
My tensioner to block is 13MM
I think I'd consider replacing the idler pully. My Orilieys was about $35 for new idler pully #38015 as well as $35 for Tensioner pully alone #38005. NAPA was lots higher for both.
I ordered from Amazon new complete Tensioner for $59 #38270, Orileys & Napa was close $100+.
Also I noticed the Amazon Idler pully #38015 was a$22

ON EDIT: Depends how quick you need get going, but Amazon fairly quick......also My Amazon prices was with Prime......

 

[lotzagoodstuff]

Got it out! Looks like the plate that compresses the top to the bottom completely snapped. Should I replace the idler pulley since this thing had wedged itself against it?

“Got it out! Looks like this thing is a P O S”

There: I fixed that for you

If you don’t change the idler pulley, and it throws the belt and busts another tensioner or fan clutch, you will be mad or sad. Change the idler.

 

[Chadillac]

Yeah I needed it done asap so the instock tensioner at o Riley was 109 and pulley was 30. So I got hosed for needing it done now. Everyone else was getting it to me by the 15th or later. Beats paying a shop to do it I guess.
And thanks guys for all of your insight and help. This really is a great forum for people to keep these old trucks on the road.

 

[lotzagoodstuff]

Yeah I needed it done asap so the instock tensioner at o Riley was 109 and pulley was 30.

Just wondering: who's part is O'Reilly's selling and what did the quality look like?

 

[Chadillac]

It’s Gates part# 38270. Seems ok. It has the exact same stamping as the one that failed and that one had at least 80k on it

 

[Chadillac]

Also is it common for the idler pulley bolt to have an O ring on it?

 

[lotzagoodstuff]

Also is it common for the idler pulley bolt to have an O ring on it?

Yes, i seem to remember that on the last one I changed, and it seemed odd to me as well.

 

[snicklas]

Might be just to keep the bold from falling out……

 

[Wildphilhickup]

I've got a 95' OBS. Only had belts wear out. There is an upgrade to the later model, "dual" Tensioner. I upgraded mine. Motorcraft part is still available. There is a Ford bulletin on this (98-23-14). And there many You Tube videos on this.

 

[lotzagoodstuff]

I've got a 95' OBS. Only had belts wear out. There is an upgrade to the later model, "dual" Tensioner. I upgraded mine. Motorcraft part is still available. There is a Ford bulletin on this (98-23-14). And there many You Tube videos on this.

This is good info, but not for this post or the IDI forum. The “dually” tensioner is a great 7.3 Powerstroke update (just did one in my 95, pics attached) but unfortunately it’s not applicable to a 7.3 IDI.