Can anyone give me a quick rundown on how to change the belt tensioner on a
97 taurus with vulcan engine? Chilton manual doesn't seem to mention it
anywhere (figures). Any special tools needed? I have a fairly extensive
socket set, but I've heard sometimes they use a torx bit? I just changed
the belt (which was at the "stretch limiter" and making noise) and when i
moved the tensioner out of the way, it didn't "snap back" (like it is
seized). I could manually force it back to tension the belt, but there is
obviously something amiss.


Thanks for any help!

Teknical wrote:
If you've already changed the belt, you were more than half-way through
the tensioner job... it's easy. Metric socket set will get the job
done. One bolt through the middle of the tensioner... it will be self
explanatory when you get it out.

Rob

Technical wrote:

of the tensioner mount. You will need a torx socket. I just took mine on
and off. It can be a little bit a of a challenge with e 3/8" drive if
its on tight. There is a notch the tensioner fits in as well as the
screw hole. On mine, it takes a 15 MM wrench to put on the tensioner
wheel to pull it back. I was wishing yesterday that i had a 1.5 foot 15
mm wrench to make it easier to pull the tension off the belt.

I would take it off and clean it out. Maybe if the spring is not broke
you might be able to revive it. Check that it spins freely as well as
have spring tension. WHile you at it, check your water pump for shaft
play. I have changed many water pumps on 3.0's. the tension on the
pulley causes the bearing to wear eccentric and eventually cause the
water pump impeller to scrape inside the housing. If yours is over 100K
with original pump, you might think about replacing it while your
working in the area. Change the lower radiator hose while your at it.

Bob

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