Why is it such a pain to install the main belt(with alternator and water pump) on a 2011 5.0? I replaced the tensioners and idler pulley on the engine and am having trouble installing the belt over the crank on the main belt. Is there a special tool Ford uses to do this? I see some holes on the outside of the crank pulley and am wondering if the dayco install tool will work. Has anyone else ran into these problems and if so, what did y'all end up doing? Any help would be appreciated.

 

Are you 100% sure you got the routing right?

 

I think they are a stretch belt and there is a wedge shaped tool that assist in putting the belt on

 

this, or the shop procedure uses zip ties, then turning the crank until the belt seats, then cutting them off- no?

 

Book marked for interest.
Don't tell me Ford screwed this up too. I have not had to change a belt yet.
My old 1995 had a spring loaded tension-er with a hole for a 3/8" breaker bar.
Took about 5 mins to change the belt.

 

When I did my 100,000 mile service I changed the plugs myself, bought two new belts, even though the original ones were not fraying, and after I struggled with it I took it to the dealer and let them put them on. I'm glad they run a long time !