Belt Tensioner problems !!

[explorer0071]

Hi all,

Well here goes, I've just changed the fan belt on my 1997 Explorer but Im having trouble with the Belt Tensioner.
I installed the new belt and reset the Tensioner, started her up and everything was fine. The next time I started her the tensioner released and the belt went slack. So again I reset the Tensioner and the same thing keeps happening. I have no idea whats going on !!! If anyone can offer any guidance I would be very grateful.

Cheers,

Explorer0071

 

[swampyrbs]

ive just changed mine also last week but havent had no trouble , im unsure what you mean by resetting tensioner as all i did was insert ratchet into square hole in tesioner and pull it back as far as possible to slip belt onto the pulley on the top in the middle if you know what i mean as this seemed the easiest way to fit it.this method sounds easier than it is ,i have a 99 ex and not sure if tensioner is the same but i never undone or touched tensioner other than to slacken enough to refit new belt .swampy

 

[janolsson]

Hi all,

Well here goes, I've just changed the fan belt on my 1997 Explorer but Im having trouble with the Belt Tensioner.
I installed the new belt and reset the Tensioner, started her up and everything was fine. The next time I started her the tensioner released and the belt went slack. So again I reset the Tensioner and the same thing keeps happening. I have no idea whats going on !!! If anyone can offer any guidance I would be very grateful.

Cheers,

Explorer0071

Without the belt on, the tensioner sits at about 8 o'clock IIRC. the casing is held on by one bolt and again IIRC it has a locating flange type situation on the back. Once bolted on in the correct position you can insert a ratchet driver into the square hole and lever it anticlockwise to allow slack on the belt. Hope this helps

 

[chrisquelch]

hi the tentioner is spring loaded and is self adjusting if your one keeps coming lose would suspect the spring is faulty. cheers chris

 

[DuncanOfEngland]

The fault may be that the belt is too long and the trensioner is broken. The 2 sections of the tensioner can split apart after a lot of use, which allows the tensioner to slip past the end-stop if the belt is too long. Sometimes, even Ford supply the wrong belt, due to the fact that they order on for a 4.0 OHV engine set up.
Duncan

 

[jcasey007]

Serpentine belt slip

Sorry to hijack this link but on a similar topic, how many miles do your belts last?

I replace the belt on my 97 about every 9000 miles, after about this milage I get an anoying 'chirp'. It does not slip when running.

In fact the Gates belt that should fit my model/year acording to their parts list is too short, so I have found one that fits.

ta

jim

 

[BIGHVM]

I had a nightmare when I went to change mine, was told it came in two sizes, bought both as I could take one back- not one fitted, one was around 20m short and the other went on but with the tensioner hard back-----never felt right to run it that way, so I put the old one back and am still running it- a year later. They were both gator belts! May have to go to Frauds soon for a motorcraft original!

 

[swampyrbs]

hello H, i just fitted mine and is just as you described in your second fit, the tensioner is right back as far as possible but i left it on as my other was shot to bits no problems as yet hopefully as belt stretches itll slacken a little .it runs up the pulley and on the tensioner face it hugs the face almost rubbing on it is the best i can descibe it but is ok with no wear as yet!

 

[janolsson]

Bought mine from USA automotive, £20 and fited fine tho i can't remeber the brand. Guess i got lucky