Serpentine belt install

[Pozo]

I just replaced my AC comp., accumulator, and oriphice tube on my 2001 Ford explorer. Engine is a V8 5.0. This was my first time replacing any AC parts. That all went well until I had to put the serpentine belt back on. I can't loosen the tensioner in order to get the belt back on. I have researched this for hrs and can't seem to find an answer. All other engine types seem easy, where there is a spot for a 3/8" or 1/2 " ratchet. I can't find it anywhere on my truck. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Jstcruz]

Welcome to the site! And congrats on your victory over the ac system lol.

Im not totaly familiar with the 5.0s, but it will probably pay you to get a serp belt tool (about $25) so you can easily reach in there and have enough leverage to pull the tensioner. It took me a few minutes of fighting to get the belt on my 4.0 but with that tool it is a lot less stressful.

 

[Pozo]

Thanks, and I will go get the tool tomorrow as I am frustrated enough for one day! The problem is that I don't see where there is a spot to put the tool or a ratchet??? It seems that the 5.0 is much different than the other engines. I've seen numerous videos online and none of them show the 5.0. Maybe I'm missing something?

 

[Jstcruz]

There should be a 3/8" or 1/2" square hole in the pivot point on the front of the tensioner. The serp tool has an assortment of things to put on it to get it done

 

[swshawaii]

Use the tensioner pulley mounting BOLT with a socket.
A cheater bar or pipe is a great help if you're solo. GL

http://www.rockauto.com/info/Dayco/IS306.pdf

 

[Pozo]

Thanks for the link swshawaii. I think I got it now. I will go get the tool and try it out.

 

[1Aauto]

Welcome to the site

 

[Joe Dirt]

I just use a breaker bar since it's got a long handle, and you can use it for more stuff... Skip the tool and get a BB instead...

Here is a tip from my radiator install thread:

Tip for belt fitting- since it's impossible to get the damn thing to stay in place on the crank pulley and idler down there, grab a bungee, and hook the top of the belt to the hood. It will create some tension, and you can put the lower portion on without it falling off as soon as you climb out from underneath.

Like this:

 

[Pozo]

Joe Dirt great advice. I did get the tool but went to Advanced Auto parts where I can just return the tool. Well, finally got the belt back on. Looks like I spoke to soon, the AC is still not working. Unfortunately I got a used compressor and the clutch is not engaging. I was told to hook up a positive and negative wire from the battery and see if the compressor engages(while the truck is off). I guess just to check if it is getting power or not. Is this a good idea? Any other ideas? Maybe don't go cheap and get a new compressor next time!! Thanks for everyone's input.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Have you tried jumping the low pressure A/C switch? Are you sure that you aren't low on freon? If so, it can get low enough that the compressor won't even cycle.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=252219

 

[bronchole]

Just a note, a 15mm boxed end wrench work pretty good on the belt tensioner although it may help that I have a MAC CAI.