Serp Belt Tensioner Removal?

[CraigK]

Didn't find exactly the info I need with searches. I need to remove the S-belt on a 2.3L, but can't see what the nut size(???) is on the belt tensioner. It is recessed, with no nut visible, and I can't figure it out by feel. Exactly what socket or tool will loosen the tensioner enough to easily remove the belt? Special FORD socket/tool??? Should I just use a long bar to move the tensioner? Thanks.

CraigK

 

[97ranger xlt]

regular 3/8'' socket ...
you might need to put a pipe over the socket wrench for extra leverage.

 

[97ranger xlt]

ok maybe i'm reading this wrong. to remove the belt you don't need to remove the entire tensioner just pull it back to releive tension on the pulleys. if you need
to remove the entire tensioner it's the recessed bolt you need to take out. mine was 13mm.

 

[Ranger44]

I think he just wants to know how to pull it back to remove the belt. There should be a square hole on it, above that nut you are taliking about. That's right, Just use a regular 3/8 socket wrench or breaker bar head, and pull it back...use a pipe over the end of it to gain leverage. It's easier that way. Then you should be able just to pull the belt off.

 

[CraigK]

As per the responses, my options are:
1) Use a pry bar to move the tensioner.
2) Use a breaker bar with a 3/8"square end to move the tensioner (square hole in tensioner arm).
3) Use a 13mm socket to remove the tensioner itself.

Thanks guys.
CraigK

 

[97ranger xlt]

one other thing you need to move the airfilter / intake tube out of the way of your pipe to let it pull the tensioner back far enough.
you'll see when you're in there.

 

[Young_unn]

Didn't find exactly the info I need with searches. I need to remove the S-belt on a 2.3L, but can't see what the nut size(???) is on the belt tensioner. It is recessed, with no nut visible, and I can't figure it out by feel. Exactly what socket or tool will loosen the tensioner enough to easily remove the belt? Special FORD socket/tool??? Should I just use a long bar to move the tensioner? Thanks.

CraigK

ok to loosen the tensioner put a 3/8 ratchet with a bar with leverage on it in the square hole more than halfway up the tensioner, ( for changing belts )

2, to get the whole tensioner off, it takes a star drive, im not quite sure of size. but its a star drive, not hex ( allen key )

if the tensioner is stiff and not moving oil it all up while off ( alot of oil!!!! ), and the put it back on and force it back and forth alot untill it starts returning freely.

 

[jubangy]

one other thing you need to move the airfilter / intake tube out of the way of your pipe to let it pull the tensioner back far enough.
you'll see when you're in there.

Actually, if you set the ratchet in there right the air filet box shouldn't be a problem, just ratched it forward before you pull.

And it is a star bit that removes the hold down bolt for the tensioner, and if you just need to loosen it to take the belt off you only need a 3/3 drive ratchet with no socket. But if you replace the tensioner or have in th epast, it is not a star as the new one comes with a new bolt but I can't temember the size.

If your just changing the belt though, I wouldn't recommend using a short ratchet as I was able to just use a regular 3/8 craftsman ratchet without a bar on it to loosen it. Just pull it back, and slide the belt off the tensioner then you can let go and finish pulling the belt the rest of the way off.
When you put the new one on run it around all the pulleys and hold it by the tensioner, then when your ready pull the tensioner back again and slide the belt back on and let go. Took about 30 seconds.