when to replace fan belts
I have the Ford F53 Chassis with 30,000 miles. At what point should I think about getting the fan belt replaced? I can find no reference to it in the owner's manual. THX
Forum Discussion
bass n bob,
In all reality, if you think about it, belts have a seriously hard life. Eighty gazillion turns while the engine is running, heat, cold, dirt, debris, and more, as cheap as they are, I wouldn't even hesitate at the 30K mile point. Many rigs, especially the front engine models (gas) are actually quite easy to change it. Many times, almost no tools are needed due to the fact that the belt is held with a tensioner. And that tensioner only needs usually a 1/2" breaker bar or 1/2" ratchet to tweak to release tension and the belt falls off.
One thing you, or anyone does NOT want to do is, change it in the middle of the desert or, some desolate place, possibly at night (if you drive at night), in the rain, or any other less-than-perfect set of conditions due to trying to stretch more miles out of it. I know I wouldn't.
Scott
In all reality, if you think about it, belts have a seriously hard life. Eighty gazillion turns while the engine is running, heat, cold, dirt, debris, and more, as cheap as they are, I wouldn't even hesitate at the 30K mile point. Many rigs, especially the front engine models (gas) are actually quite easy to change it. Many times, almost no tools are needed due to the fact that the belt is held with a tensioner. And that tensioner only needs usually a 1/2" breaker bar or 1/2" ratchet to tweak to release tension and the belt falls off.
One thing you, or anyone does NOT want to do is, change it in the middle of the desert or, some desolate place, possibly at night (if you drive at night), in the rain, or any other less-than-perfect set of conditions due to trying to stretch more miles out of it. I know I wouldn't.
Scott
