tensioner trouble

[metrojd]

I noticed that my PS seemed sluggish when stopped, after looking I noticed that my belt dosent have any tension on it.
i am going to get a Ford tensioner.
My question is ho much trouble is it to change??
I have the one with the shock on it.
It is dark and didnt get to take a indepth look at what all is going to be involved.
I would appricate any tips.
Thanks
John

 

[Ironman03R]

Piece of cake. I had to take the Idler pulley off to get the tennsioner in. I dont have the shock on mine but I dont think that will give ya any more trouble.

 

[towcat]

the shock is a compensator for the tensioner dancing around. This is caused by out-of-round pullies. I've found the vac pump pulley is usually the culprit. use a dial indicator or use a strobe(while the motor is running).

 

[LUCKY_LARUE60]

My truck has the spring on the tensioner, I have no problem with my belt. Wonder why there are 2 different tensioners??????????????????????????

 

[Agnem]

Heck, I thought there were 3 kinds.

 

[towcat]

My truck has the spring on the tensioner, I have no problem with my belt. Wonder why there are 2 different tensioners??????????????????????????

actually, there's three.

Here's a verbal on the differences.
Gen1....Tensioner with exposed spring.
Gen2....Tensioner with alu body enclosing spring
Gen3....Tensioner with alu body and shock absorber/dampner
here's where it gets a little tricky.
gen1 tensioner uses accy bracket that is specific for that unit. both are obsolete from the factory. The tensioners are avail aftermarket.
gen2 and gen3 uses the updated bracket. there is no way no how the brackets will interchange. the index holes for the spring are completely different.
I have the updated bracket and tensioners p/n's listed in the "parts bin"
For those hell bent on staying with gen1 tensionsers, I do have two good brackets for sale.
bottom pics....
pic1 gen1 tensioner attached to the bracket
pic2 gen1 tensioner removed from bracket showing face of bracket
pic3 gen2 tensioner mounted in bracket.
pic4 gen3 tensioner
pic5 gen3 tensioner installed

 

[metrojd]

Thanks for the response

Well I took it off and like I was told It was a piece of cake.
I ordered the new one buy it Lists foe almost $170.00
It almost looks like mine loosened up.
The tab on the back is broke off, I guess thats why there was minimal tention. It must have rotated.

 

[devildog88]

170???? i got one from ford about a month ago and it was 99.95

 

[devildog88]

2nd generation http://www.napaonline.com/masterpages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=NBH&PartNumber=38270&Description=Drivebelt+Tensioner+Assy


1st generation http://www.autozone.com/R,APP822487/vehicleId,1901303/initialAction,partProductDetail/store,1672/partType,00657/shopping/partProductDetail.htm

i cant find a pic of the shock style tensioner

 

[metrojd]

third generation??

I have the shock so I am assuming that I have th e3rd generation.
I had read of someone using an aftermarket tensioner and having trouble.
i would rather spent the money once.

 

[devildog88]

yes get an oem tensioner dont even mess with the autozone crap. i bought an autzone tendsioner about a year ago and it was CHEAPLY made junk, plastic pulley and plastic bushings. The oem tensioners are alot better and will last alot longer

 

[towcat]

As far as OEM or aftermarket, there is no difference. Ford outsourced for these parts. Gates was the orig maker of the gen1 unit. Goodyear is the source for the gen2 unit. My cost for either was $60-70ea. My gen2 lasted 20k hard miles. Just replaced it with a new one.

 

[LUCKY_LARUE60]

Here is a tip, my belt was jumping and would jump one grove. A NAPA parts man told me my belt was too long. He got me one that was 1/2 shorter and I have not had a problem since.

JIM