Belt tensioner 1988 TB V6 FI January 10, 2012, 09:50:40 PM I replaced a belt tensioner on a Taurus today as I was told it was going out and chirping--they were right. It was also on the weak side (learned when I reinstalled the belt--it was tight).So now I have the impression that this may also be the time to replace the tensioner on the T Bird. The range marker on it suggests the belt is marginal, but the belt is fine. I suspect the tensioner has lost tension--no surprise after 24 years. Problem is --the tensioner is a 2 piece unit (like the taurus), but I can not find the whole unit for sale. Appears that they only sell the pulley side?? Anyone know something on this? It would seem to me that the tensioner side of the unit (with the internal spring or whatever) is the faulty part. It probably would make a huge difference for charging the battery under load--when the tensioner is really under tension.JR Quote Selected
Belt tensioner 1988 TB V6 FI Reply #1 – January 11, 2012, 09:08:06 PM Are you sure? I don't know about dealers, but most aftermarket auto parts stores sell the tensioner that goes on my '87 V-8. Does an '88 V-6 have a different style? Quote Selected
Belt tensioner 1988 TB V6 FI Reply #2 – January 13, 2012, 11:55:04 PM Not sure--but the pulley they list is only half of what is on the car. The one I have is mounted to the alternator bracket. I would post a picture but something is up with my PC. Quote Selected
Belt tensioner 1988 TB V6 FI Reply #3 – January 14, 2012, 12:04:54 PM Yeah, that is weird. Tensioners seem to be available for T-Birds with the 2.3 and the 5.0 but not the 3.8. I wonder why that is? Suppose a 1988 Taurus 3.8 would have the same tensioner? Because that one seems to be available: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1138340&parttype=11659&partkey=960354&a=FRc1138340k960354-6617196 Quote Selected
Belt tensioner 1988 TB V6 FI Reply #4 – January 14, 2012, 01:33:15 PM If it pulls the same way as the 5.0 one, why not just run that one? Quote Selected
Belt tensioner 1988 TB V6 FI Reply #6 – January 14, 2012, 07:01:12 PM That happened on my '00 Taurus about a year ago. I found when I changed the water pump that the tensioner spring was totally froze. I sprayed it up and worked it until it loosened. Then I put it back on and I've been running with it ever since! I checked it a couple times afterwards and it is still flexing fine now. Quote Selected
Belt tensioner 1988 TB V6 FI Reply #8 – January 15, 2012, 08:05:29 PM This is a picture of the belt tensioner.... Quote Selected
Belt tensioner 1988 TB V6 FI Reply #10 – January 18, 2012, 08:21:09 PM I might have one from my v6 engine I took out of my car. 88 v6. Not sure how to tell if it's any better than yours though. Quote Selected
Belt tensioner 1988 TB V6 FI Reply #11 – January 18, 2012, 10:58:52 PM Yes, It's round. The more I study this problem, I don't think the tensioner is the problem despite being original equipment. I think the belt is oversized. How does one read the tensioner gauge--anyone know? Maybe I mis-read the gauge. You can see the gauge mark at the top of the tensioner in the pic. About 10 years ago I was getting a BAT light in the winter months at various times. Then we bought a new alternator and that seemed to end that. Next the battery would not hold up in winter, so now there is a newer battery in the car. I suspect the belt may be limp as discussed above. There have been at least 3 belts on this TB if I recall. Does any of this make sense? PS--nbzimmer may be right--the Taurus Tensioner is a close match. It has a nib in the back to insert into the block to hold it from rotating---it may be the same on the TB. I will check this regardless of issue. The Taurus Tensioner was not terribly expensive. Quote Selected
Belt tensioner 1988 TB V6 FI Reply #12 – January 18, 2012, 11:02:41 PM Hey great answer---I think you are right. The Taurus one has a nib which seats into the alt bracket to hold the tensioner from turning. Perhaps the TB 3.8 is the same set up. I' ll have to check this. Quote Selected
Belt tensioner 1988 TB V6 FI Reply #13 – January 30, 2012, 09:36:44 PM OK folks--just for the record...I reinstalled an old belt I had as a spare. It is a Motorcraft. The current belt is a Gates. Turns out that the old Motorcraft is tighter--for whatever reason. Maybe the Gates belt stretched over time--?? Anyway, the tensioner is now reading very well inside the range markings (pic). I'll see if it makes any difference in the long run. JR Quote Selected
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