Belt Tensioner SNAPPED OFF

[Stevedbvik1]

Would putting a thick washer or two on each mounting boss on the new tensioner space it away from the timing cover?

Maybe one, doesn’t need much. Thanks, I might try that. See how it affects getting the belt on. As it is it doesn’t just flop on the pulley. Would need two different ID washers the same thickness as the upper mounting hole has a pilot sleeve.

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[airline tech]

Some thoughts:
Since this needs further investigation

1. Are the ears actually thicker than prior years?

2. Is there a tolerance difference between the tensioners (in question) -the edge that’s hitting the ear?

3. Note that - we need to also factor in - heat expansion when installing, what fits cold may expand and drag when hot.

 

[airline tech]

I would use caution on adding washers - adds stress to the mount points.
Thinking DEEP into what it’s actually doing. In general theory- it works, but I see a potential issue.
IDK - just thinking out loud

 

[TJC]

So got my bolts and my Motorcraft BT114. Went to install and ran into a snag on my 2022. It mounted up ok to the block. But when I went to untension it to install the belt the was no tension. Where ever I moved the tensioner it stayed and wouldn’t spring back. Thought the tensioner was defective and removed it. Once I got it off I found this. The back of the housing on the tensioner was making contact with the lower mounting boss for the original tensioner. Not very much but enough to create a drag. I’m thinking that my 2022 may have the “beefed” up cover? Add a picture showing the thickness of the mounting boss. Put the original back on and deciding whether to do a bit of grinding on the new tensioner or the mounting boss. But I don’t really want to grind on the boss because you know how Ford can be. Interested in if you run into this when you do yours.

I've got the DAYCO 89740 tensioner coming tomorrow, and my Ranger is a 2020. I'll report how it fits and take a few pics for comparison.

Does the Ford part use a Flat Spring? Dayco claims they invented it (instead of a coil spring). Says more consistent tension and less wear... who knows? But I figure it's worth a shot.

 

[TJC]

I received and installed the Dayco (Made in Canada) tensioner. It did not have the flat spring tech in it unless it is all internal to the tensioner...

Went out to the workshop to install it and found an abrasion on my battery cover... Upon closer inspection it appears Mickey Mouse has taken up refuge in my shop. 3 traps with peanut butter should eliminate any further problems.

Speaking of visitors, this guy showed up looking for dinner. He didn't mind me going in/out of the shop, and I left him to his business. He's sitting on a crow feeder. It's big and he is bigger! He's a regular... as is his lady friend.

The pulley geometry and belt alignment is identical to the Ranger part. But I did I have the same binding issue as Stevedbvik1. I resolved it with a dremel tool in about 5 minutes.

I chose to only remove enough length to give it ~2"- 3" of free movement. I left enough to assist me installing the belt by leaving a small section that still binds at the closest point of range. This allows me to move the tensioner fully counterclockwise, and basically park it while I install the belt, then pull it back clockwise into position where it functions normally.

Thoughts welcome.

 

[TJC]

So got my bolts and my Motorcraft BT114. Went to install and ran into a snag on my 2022. It mounted up ok to the block. But when I went to untension it to install the belt the was no tension. Where ever I moved the tensioner it stayed and wouldn’t spring back. Thought the tensioner was defective and removed it. Once I got it off I found this. The back of the housing on the tensioner was making contact with the lower mounting boss for the original tensioner. Not very much but enough to create a drag. I’m thinking that my 2022 may have the “beefed” up cover? Add a picture showing the thickness of the mounting boss. Put the original back on and deciding whether to do a bit of grinding on the new tensioner or the mounting boss. But I don’t really want to grind on the boss because you know how Ford can be. Interested in if you run into this when you do yours.

I ground just a touch off the tensioner... works well with an unexpected benefit. See my previous entry for details..

 

[Stevedbvik1]

I ground just a touch off the tensioner... works well with an unexpected benefit. See my previous entry for details..

I ground mine down just like you did yesterday. Just didn’t have time today to get it installed yet.

 

[2021Ranger]

Tony, Did you get to see if the mounting area of the cover is different than later models.

 

[TJC]

Tony, Did you get to see if the mounting area of the cover is different than later models.

I looked and it appeared to be the same. But without having a newer model year cover in hand to compare to mine I can't be sure. The changes (if there are any) may be very subtle.

 

[DonS]

My engine was built on 8-30-2023, the dealer said i do not need to worry because i have the improved revamped timing cover that is reiforced in that area.

 

[TJC]

I have been thinking about why Ford would choose to move the tensioner mounting point from the cylinder head to the timing cover. The head mount point seems to be far more robust, and simpler. It has been used for several years on the 4 cyl Ecoboost engines without issue.

There had to be a sound engineering reason to do so. The head had the bungs machined and ready to go. The cost of the redesign of the timing cover is not trivial in a day when Ford removes inexpensive parts each year of production in cost saving moves.

It is nagging at me a bit. Maybe I am over thinking this...

Having said this, I am sticking with the new tensioner as I know my 2020 model year has this ticking time bomb, and this will eliminate a serious point of failure. When that timing cover mounting point fails, the resulting damage is too extensive to not make this move.

It seems like an obvious and prudent decision for a 2020 Ranger owner.

 

[Dereku]

What are the safe years for these?

 

[Dr. Zaius]

What are the safe years for these?

I don't think I've seen a report of it happening on any year other than a 2020.

 

[Dereku]

I don't think I've seen a report of it happening on any year other than a 2020.

Ok good. Add that to an item deleted for the 21s. Breakaway timing cover.

 

[TJC]

Ok good. Add that to an item deleted for the 21s. Breakaway timing cover.

You my man, have an excellent sense of humor! It's very funny ,

Except for those of us unfortunate enough to have purchased a 2020!! For the first time, I actually have found something that I wished they had deleted!

I think the solution lthom found will work out fine.

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