Belt Tensioner and question

D

DOHCtor_Mark

Active LVC Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2004
Messages
117
Reaction score
0
Location
Marietta
For the last week or so, the Mustang guys have been complimenting the sound of my supercharger. While I do like the compliments, I don't have a supercharger. The belt tensioner pulley is whining big time!!! Are these available from the Lincoln dealer? Or do I have to switch to Cobra/Mach 1 stuff to fix it.

I got a lead on tubular K members from a guy here who actually road races his. He says you can keep the air or switch to coil-overs. My question is, how much does the stock K-member weigh? As some of you know, I want long tube headers and I thought doing both at the same time would be a great weekend (or 3 day project).
 
That old belt is one crack away from snappin...no way....haha. I've already localized the sound. It's either the tensioner pulley or the idler pulley. I found out that Gates and AC Delco make them but where to get em cheap is another story.
 
I have the same problem at WOT.... I believe it's the belt tensioner, belt is brand new. I also to replace this ASAP. I hate the sound, LOL. Any info of part number would be awesome.
 
Gates part number is 38138...AC Delco is 88916630. It can't possibly cost that much. So, I'm gonna check with the Lincoln dealer today.
 
I replace both of mine with parts from Advance Auto for about $10/ea. My whine is back. The belt was replaced also, but I think it is the belt again. There is a possibility that the alignment of the tensioner puller is off. When you pull the belt, check the pully for uneven wear. Most of the powdercoating will be removed, revealing a shiny surface on one half of the pully, and the black color of the powercoat on the other.

If the belt is shiny, it is probably the belt slipping and glazing over, creating the noise. Take a small dab of oil on a towel and apply it right to the belt (near the alternator is the easiest spot) and I bet the noise goes away. That would indicate that the bearings are ok and the real issue lies within the belt or its contact/alignment with the tensioner. You should always carry a spare belt in the trunk anyway, so replacing it and keeping the old as a spare is a good thing.


Good luck.
 
Last edited:
I'm with the spare belt idea. Always had one in my mustang. But, the sound is a mechanical gear type sound. And I sprayed some lubricant into the center of the pulley yesterday and noise went away.
 
i just replace the bearings you can buy the top notch bearings in the world "skf" for about 6 dollar ea and push them in yer self saves big bucks
eric
 
I just put a new one on my car cause some how it got bent and was eating my 40 dollar belt I think a new one was like 20 bucks or something don't remember but it wasn't expensive and it was easier than changing the oil filter. Just remove the belt and there is three bolts right there.

Eric
 
AAAH! I had that damn noise a couple of weeks ago! Come to think of it, it actually does sound like you have a Vortech under there :biggrin:

Anyway, I sprayed it with some belt dressing and it went away.
 
I wonder how many other people have had this happen to them? I know as least one other person other than myself that this has happend to. I just got the part in today and plan on fixing it this weekend. My belt also went out the other day and I replaced it myself at the dealer.
 
This is a common problem, or at least it is common to have idler pully/belt tensioner problems. This happened to me a couple of years ago and I replaced them both through my local dealer for $50 (tensioner) and $25 (idler) - those numbers are from the top of my head. I know it wasn't much because I was surprised it was so cheap.

I had a similar squealing problem - it would go away and come back, with cold weather making it appear again for some reason. The new parts fixed it for about a year, then it came back intermittently. The Ford parts have a one year warranty so if you can remember to keep your receipt, you could save a few bucks on a new tensioner if yours happens to fail. The new part is a 1997 p/n IIRC.

Kale
 
I don't know if it is the bearings so much as the alignment of the belt. Those bearing should run for alot longer than a year without failing.

REMIND SELF: MUST... LOOK... INTO... THIS FURTHER...
 
I just installed an idler pulley a few weeks ago to get rid of a cricket at idle. it didnt. I then replaced the tensioner pulley(same exact part, same price-$12.43 with tax), and it didnt kill the squeek either(again, only at idle). I already had a new belt, so here's what i did.

i removed the belt, and started the engine to ensure the noise was definately part of the rotating assembies up front. No noise....so i shut the motor off, and spun the waterpump pulley.... "squeek squeek"...so...its water pump time.

Just giving you guys a 4th option to look at besides the 2 pulleys, and the belt.
 
Last edited:
Good point BlackIceLSC, I changed my water pump as well, and just in case anyone was wondering, it was a friggin breeze to install! :)

Kale
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 75 (members: 0, guests: 75)
Back
Top