tensioner part #

[Pete Brennan]

Hello ST land!







Looking at replacing tensioners on my new to me 2001, job 1, 4.0 . got a part number of 6k254-a and 6k254-b off motorcraft.com

Im finding them listed on e-bay as 7u3z-6k254-a and 7u3z-6k254-b. these correct?



you guys go oem or another brand?

i`ve read of pulling intake or pulling thermostat housing. either way I`m replacing a gasket right? do you do thermostat while your there? or a benefit of pulling intake and cleaning that up? I`ve done the TB, IAC and MAF last weekend thanks to you guys, does one step further in cleaning intake improve anything?



Thank you in advance!

Pete

 

[Wes Davis]

 

[Yardsale]

Yup - watch the videos.



<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4N5E_RfYpE" target="_blank">Part 1 (rear)</a>



<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LUdwhq-M3M" target="_blank">Part 2 (front)</a>

 

[Pete Brennan]

watched those videos and he pulled the thermostat housing while several write-ups on this site pulled the intake to access the tensioner. I`m just trying to get the gasket before I pull stuff apart. If I can do anything extra in the terms of maint. in the process I`d rather go one route than the other.



Really just wanted to double check on part number and see who was going OEM or aftermarket

 

[Wes Davis]

I am definitely going Ford oem. I am too worried about the reported oil leak problems with the aftermarket parts and their compression seals.





http://www.ebay.com/itm/331158693956





http://www.ebay.com/itm/321329378929





/

 

[Yardsale]

FYI - he doesn't remove the thermostat housing - he removes the bolts so he can move the housing (be careful to lift it about 1/4" before moving as there are protrusions that might break and fall into the engine). As noted, the seal is embedded pretty well in the housing, so you shouldn't have a problem with it moving, but verify. You may replace it if you wish, but it appears that he did not, for whatever reason.



If the housing on yours has not been replaced, you might consider doing that 'cause it'll go one day.

 

[Pete Brennan]

thanks yardsale watched that video again and he does just slip it out of the way. appreciate it! Seems the simpler route to go.

 

[EddieS'04]

If you are talking about the serpitine belt tensoner. Get the Gates replacment.

It is a flat wound spring. Others are spiral wound wire spring. The flat wound will last longer. Also it is more stable. That is all I use. I use the dayco poly-cog belt 1/2" shorter than stock. It bites the power steering pulley better especialy on hard acceleration and higher speeds.

 

[Yardsale]

Timing chain tensioners, but good to know about the Gates.



Good tidbits fly here.