Ford 1C2Z-8620-NA V-Belt

The drivebelt, located at the front of the engine, plays a crucial role in the operation of the vehicle and its components. It is prone to failure due to its function and material make-up, and should be inspected and adjusted periodically to prevent major engine damage. The vehicles covered are equipped with a single self-adjusting serpentine drivebelt, used to drive all accessory components such as the alternator, power steering pump, water pump and air conditioning compressor. To inspect, with the engine off, open the hood and locate the drivebelt at the front of the engine. Using your fingers and a flashlight if necessary, move along the belts checking for cracks, separation of the belt plies, fraying and glazing. Both sides of each belt should be inspected, which means you will have to twist the belt to check the underside. Check the ribs on the underside of the belt. They should all be the same depth, with none of the surface uneven. The tension of the belt is automatically adjusted by the belt tensioner and does not require any adjustments. Drivebelt wear can be checked visually by inspecting the wear indicator marks located on the side of the tensioner body. If the indicator mark is outside the operating range, the belt should be replaced. To replace the belt, rotate the tensioner to relieve the tension on the belt. Some models have a square hole in the tensioner arm that will accept a 1/2-inch drive breaker bar. On other models, place a wrench on the tensioner pulley bolt. Remove the belt from the auxiliary components and carefully release the tensioner. Route the new belt over the various pulleys, again rotating the tensioner to allow the belt to be installed, then release the belt tensioner. Make sure the belt fits properly into the pulley grooves - it must be completely engaged. Most models have a drivebelt routing decal on the upper radiator panel to help during drivebelt installation.