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tap4154 · 12-20-2020, 07:40 PM

I was just going to order a belt to keep as a spare, and I'm running across conflicting information. Some that are supposed to fit the Ford 6.8 V10 with air conditioning, reviewers said they were too short. Can anyone confirm a good belt to get for my 2010 E450 6.8 with air conditioning? I'd really appreciate it.

A32Deuce · 12-21-2020, 08:40 AM

I use Gates either from NAPA or Rockauto. Have been a mechanic since 1966.

tap4154 · 12-21-2020, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A32Deuce

I use Gates either from NAPA or Rockauto. Have been a mechanic since 1966.

Thank you for the reply, I'll go with Gates. I'm a bit confused though because I keep seeing the Ford V10 prior to January 27th 2010 takes a different belt than the engine after January 28th 2010. I think they changed the tensioner on that date. My door sticker only says January 2010. And when I search my VIN I come up with belts anywhere from 99" to a 100.4"

I was going to get a new belt to carry as a spare, but I think I'm just going to go ahead and replace it and carry the old one as a spare, just so I'm not out in the middle of nowhere and find out I have the wrong belt. Even though the motorhome is low miles it's 10 years old. Really doesn't look too hard to change on this chassis, and I replaced my old F-150 belt in the past so I know how to do it.

tap4154 · 12-21-2020, 09:36 AM

Got the old belt off, it's 100". Not in bad shape but I'm going to go ahead and put a new one on. Also gave me a chance to check all the pulleys and everything turns like it should and makes no noise.

tap4154 · 12-21-2020, 02:17 PM

Got the new belt on. That wasn't too bad. Just takes a few minutes to wrap your head around which way to wrap the belt

1/2 inch breaker bar with an extra extension using a pipe makes moving the tensioner easier. But I'd much rather do this while it's sitting in my backyard, than when it's on the shoulder of a freeway.

A32Deuce · 12-21-2020, 04:06 PM

I always save the old belt in a sealed bag just in case!

arcaguy · 12-21-2020, 04:18 PM

Yep always better to put one on at your convenience rather than when the vehicle decides. I also always keep the old one in the sleeve the new one comes in so I have the part number. As for brand, Gates, Dayco, Goodyear, all are good belts that I would trust.

clifford j · 12-21-2020, 04:19 PM

Tap4154, did you consider changing the tensioner also.

CLIFFORD

tap4154 · 12-21-2020, 04:23 PM

That's exactly what I'm doing, rolled it up into a ziplock bag and keeping the breaker bar and extension in the motorhome as well. Not just for me, but if someone else breaks down I'll have it. Really glad I replaced it though, 32 bucks is cheap insurance. Even though the old one was probably fine, 10 years is a long time.

ga traveler · 12-21-2020, 04:27 PM

The ford V10 has a reputation for chirping belts. Continental has designed a cross cut belt to do away with this problem. Our shop always used the continental belt.

tap4154 · 12-21-2020, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clifford j

Tap4154, did you consider changing the tensioner also.

CLIFFORD

I did consider it, but I've only got four thousand miles on this motorhome, even though it's 10 years old. It sat unused for quite a while, even though the engine was run up to temperature now and again. I spun all the pulleys while I had the belt off and everything seems good. It also has plenty of tension. Even with the breaker bar and extension it was not easy to hold.

tap4154 · 12-21-2020, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ga traveler

The ford V10 has a reputation for chirping belts. Continental has designed a cross cut belt to do away with this problem. Our shop always used the continental belt.

I never had any chirping with the old original belt, and I tested the new one revving the engine, and it's solid too. One thing about the V10 made before January 27th 2010, is before that date the belt was about a half inch shorter than after January 28th, because they put a new tensioner on. My engine was made in January 2010, and I pulled the belt off and measured it and it's the 99 7/8" one, which is the early shorter one ( it actually measures closer to 99 1/2"). If someone put a longer belt on it, like the later 100 1/4" " belt, it might cause chirping. It's only 3/8 to 1/2 inch, but it might be enough to make a difference.

I also noticed the Gates ribbed side has sort of a texture to it.

clifford j · 12-22-2020, 06:14 AM

Tap4154, wow, 10 yrs and 4K miles, just broke in

Your looking good, tensioners normally have pivot bushing failure causing mis alignment. Never saw a pulley bearing failure .

CLIFFORD

tap4154 · 12-22-2020, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clifford j

Tap4154, wow, 10 yrs and 4K miles, just broke in

Your looking good, tensioners normally have pivot bushing failure causing mis alignment. Never saw a pulley bearing failure .

CLIFFORD

Up to last month it only had three thousand miles on it. Over the past year I've been fixing things up and getting it road-ready again. Put a thousand miles on it last month, and planning to take it out on a regular basis, especially once this virus thing subsides.

The trips last month were shakedown cruises, and I found a couple issues and fixed them. I think I'm in pretty good shape now. Also all new tires and installed a new 18' awning canvas myself about a year ago, and oil and filter change. House batteries about 3 years old, chassis battery 1 year old. Just mounted a new steering stabilizer too and that really helped!. The old one was completely shot. The rod had pitted from sitting in this salt air, and caused the seals to leak.