P1050470.JPG;Did you know the old tensioner pulley is reverse threaded? Me either, oops|||P1050471.JPG;Yeah I broke the bracket trying to remove the old tensioner, have to replace the whole thing now|||P1050472.JPG;new tensioner assembly from advance auto parts, didnt fit|||P1050473.JPG;doesn't fit, locator pin is too big, advance part number 89224|||P1050474.JPG;the locator pin is close in size but the new one is simply too big|||P1050475.JPG;the hole where the tensioner goes|||P1050476.JPG;new tensioner from napa, also didnt fit|||P1050477.JPG;napa part number 38131|||P1050478.JPG;locator pin is about 90 degrees off from where it should be|||P1050479.JPG;genuine ford part, f2UZ 6B209 A|||P1050480.JPG;|||P1050481.JPG;|||P1050482.JPG;genuine ford part is just the right size|||P1050483.JPG;new tensioner installed, some goop is coming off the belt in a line around tensioner|||P1050488.JPG;squeaking continues, belt itself looks fine but is contaminated with coolant|||P1050490.JPG;|||AlbumDescription;<p>I replaced the power steering pump because I thought it was the cause of some serious squeeking coming from the engine compartment. While I know for sure the pump and been run for a long time while low on oil, I dont think it was the noisy part after all.</p>
<p>The next suspect was the belt tensioner. It was certainly worn, and when I hit the pully with WD-40 the noise went away. I promptly replaced it, after breaking the old one in 2 (oops), but the noise remained.</p>
<p>A forum post suggested that a dirty belt or dirty pulleys may be at fault. Any coolant on the belt would cause it to squeal. The quick test was to rub bar soap on the inside ridged part of the belt while the engine was running.</p>
<p>I did the test. The sound promptly went away. It looks like my leaky radiator has contaminated the belt over time. Eventually I will replace the radiator, and clean up the belt and pulleys. Until then, at least I know it is nothing more serious.</p>|||