Serp Belt Tensioner Question.

[bennydiesel]

OK
I fried my alternator the other day and I can't seem to figure out how to release the tension on the belt via the tensioner. Usually i would put a 1/2 " breaker bar in and easy easy done. There is a 50 torx bolt and a regular bolt there, both of which just loosened up. Anyone know the correct way to get the tension off the belt? 1995 F-350 7.3L PSD

[vitalidle]

Hmm should be a place to put a 1/2 square drive on the pully system to release the tension

[cchase]

on my 99, towrds the pass. side of the belt there are two pullys next to eachother on the same housing and right in the middle is a place for a 1/2 breaker bar... hope that helps..

[bennydiesel]

That's what I would have thought, but I cant seem to find a spot to but a breaker bar

[pthumbug]

MY 94.5 has a bolt deadcenter in the tensioner itself that I used. I had the same thing, a goofy torx where I thought The 1/2" Breakerbar should go.

No problems for me using that bolt on the pulley itself. (be gentle I guess).

I'm new here but hope that helps.
brett

[bennydiesel]

Tried That... Both bolts loosened, the torx and the one one the pully. It definately is a funny config.

[BrianRich]

I just did my surp belt on my 01 and there was a 1/2" square hole in the center of the tensioner to release the spring presure to get the belt off.

[adfields]

Mine broke loose also and I just cinched them down good and tried again, worked fine but very odd.

[JohnyRRR]

how many mines should you expect out of the serpentine belt, i have 90k and just bought the truck with 82k miles but it doesnt look bad.

[adfields]

Originally Posted by JohnyRRR

how many mines should you expect out of the serpentine belt, i have 90k and just bought the truck with 82k miles but it doesnt look bad.

I think it's a 30K mile service item, but I'm not sure. I go 50K and replace with a top quality belt like Gates or better. Not the junk from Checker or Auto Zone like stores, I get mine from IH or a Napa in a pinch. I also keep a new one and tools in the truck just in case I pitch one, I live in Alaska after all and I can be over 200 miles from a parts store.

You cant tell by looking at it when it's gonna go. I have had new ones shred in 100 miles and had one all cracked and strings sticking out on my fork lift that went 10 years and out lasted the motor.