Help With Changing Belt on Ford V10

[mikeleblanc413]

RE: 2000 Winnebago, Minnie Winnie, Ford V10

I'm interested in changing the belt and would appreciate any pointers from anyone who has done it. While it doesn't appear to be that complicated, one never does know. THANKS!!!!

[Harvey51]

Thanks, guys! We have had the MH since 2008 so I must replace that belt soon.

I changed a ten year old belt on our old GM van last year but I sure don't want to have a trip spoiled over $40 and an hour or two of work.

[dakdave]

When I was in the repair business I seen many of these belts snap in two,rest of the belt would look like new.
I change mine every three years so I wont have to change of on the side of the road somewhere. dave

[Dusty_R]

When the serpentine belt first came out a Ford mechanic told me that Ford said not to worry untell the belt started to loose rubber.

[Harvey51]

What age or mileage is a belt change recommended? Or do you just check for wear and cracking? If I thought I could do it in an hour, I would just do it.

[CloudDriver]

On our 2003 V10 it is necessary to remove the air filter housing to get at the belt and idler from the top. Also I found that I couldn't get my 1/2 inch breaker bar onto the idler as there wasn't enough room. IIRC the fan shroud was in the way. I bought a $10 two piece serpentine belt tool from Pep Boys, which worked fine and had more leverage than my breaker bar. Ten minutes is about right for changing the belt.

I carry a spare serpentine belt (a used belt) and the serpentine tool in basement storage and actually had to use both one time in a remote campground. IMO a serpentine belt is a critical spare part, as the engine isn't going to run for very long without the water pump.

[super_camper]

mikeleblanc413 wrote:
RE: 2000 Winnebago, Minnie Winnie, Ford V10

I'm interested in changing the belt and would appreciate any pointers from anyone who has done it. While it doesn't appear to be that complicated, one never does know. THANKS!!!!

I don't do a lot of my own repairs but when I had a seized idler wheel and a damaged belt I decided to change them myself. It took me and my neighbor 10 minutes for the belt and wheel. By far the easiest repair I have taken on in some time.

[bigB42]

auto zone printed me several views,just had to match up the right one ken

[spadoctor]

look at the underside of the hood there should be a routing diagram sticker...if not the owners manual should have it. Tool wise all you need is a 3.8 drive ratchet or breaker bar and a short extension. The ratchet fits in a square hole on the tensioner...you pull to release the tension allowing the old belt to be removed....on installation the tensioner is again pulled back allowing the new belt to be put onto the tensioner pully. The only critical part is be sure you have the belt seated on each pully properly BEFORE putting tension on the new belt. The ribs in the pullys go into the grooves of the belt. I can change the one on my Excuraion in under 15 min. Also I suggest keeping the old belt in the coach in case of breakage....easy fix on the side of the road.

[dakdave]

Do yourself a favor. Draw a diagram of belt routing if there is not one by motor.I use a paint stick so it doesn't come off.
Also spin tensioner and idle and other pulleys while belt is off.feel and listen for dry or noisey bearings, Good luck dave

[Mich_F]

mikeleblanc413 wrote:
So, the belt I want to change...is the correct name "serpetine"?

Yes - serpentine or drive belt

[mikeleblanc413]

So, the belt I want to change...is the correct name "serpetine"?

[ac_bill1]

Just remember the proper routing! Sometimes it's hard to figure that out after the belt or belts, have been removed..pictures might be a good idea.

[jspringator]

Valvoline Instant Oil Change does mine. At their prices, it really doesn't pay to learn.

[DUNEBUGGYDOUG]

Just about like changing any serpentine belt.It is easier with two peeps, one to hold the tensioner and one to change the belt.