98v70dad
Active Member
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2017
- Messages
- 325
- Reaction score
- 38
- Points
- 28
- Location
- GA
- Vehicle Year
- 1996
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 3.0L
- Transmission
- Automatic
- 2WD / 4WD
- 2WD
I recently replaced my alternator and while I was at it I put on a new Gates belt. I compared both the belt and the alternator pulley with the originals and they were both identical. I get a squeal as soon as the starter stops turning. It squeals for a second and stops almost immediately. I've checked that the belt is centered on the pulleys and is tracking right as far as I can tell.
I had a heck of a time getting the belt tensioner to loosen so I could take the old belt off. For watever reason the spring seemed to be stuck. I had to manhandle it to get it to move. So I suspect the tensioner needs to be replaced. I also had to take the idler pulley off to get better access. The idler pulley was an easy off and on so I doubt that is my problem.
Anyhow, the tensioner is sort of an expensive part so I don't just want to guess. What do you guys think? I'm not sure spraying the belt with water to help troubleshoot because the squeal stops right after starting the truck.
I had a heck of a time getting the belt tensioner to loosen so I could take the old belt off. For watever reason the spring seemed to be stuck. I had to manhandle it to get it to move. So I suspect the tensioner needs to be replaced. I also had to take the idler pulley off to get better access. The idler pulley was an easy off and on so I doubt that is my problem.
Anyhow, the tensioner is sort of an expensive part so I don't just want to guess. What do you guys think? I'm not sure spraying the belt with water to help troubleshoot because the squeal stops right after starting the truck.