4.3L Serpentine Belt..Easy to change?

[drumset5994]

My belt is looking pretty warn these days. And my tensioner pulley is on its last legs...the belt shakes violently between the tensioner and the alternator, and on colder days, the belt squeals for a good 10 seconds before it catches...and my voltmeter reads below 14 while its squealing.

 

I've changed out my idler pulley, so i know how the GM tensioner works...

 

...but has anybody changed a belt on the 4.3L? It looks kinda difficult.

 

I changed out the belt in my dad's 4.2L V6 in his F150...and that wasnt so bad.

[Draenor]

Its pretty easy. Just route the belt as in the diagram on the fan shroud. If that is missing, take a picture or make a diagram of how it is routed around the pullies. All you need to do is grab a 1/2" (?) drive socket wrench, jab it in the square hole on the idler pully and turn it to loosen the belt. Slip off the belt. Replace with new belt and reverse the procedeure.

[Wingnut]

Yup...After doing it once or twice, you'll be able to swap it out in about 3 minutes flat. And that's stopping in the middle for a sip of your favorite beverage.

[C & A s Dad]

I have not personally done this on a 4.3 but in most cases the serps are not hard to change. Usually just involves loosening a tensioner and taking it off. Just be sure you have the re-routing diagram becasue once they come off, it is not always so easy to remember how it was routed.

[SoCalChris]

I recently did this on our Safari. It was relatively easy, the hardest part was working in the van's cramped engine compartment. That won't be a problem on the truck.

[DirtyDave]

I've done this a few times on my Sonoma. It's no big deal. You'll need a 3/8" drive socket wrench to move the tensioner.

 

If you need a new tensioner, they carry them at most parts stores for around $40. The GM one will probably cost you a little more. It's held in place by a locating pin and one bolt.

 

As stated above, just follow the little sticker on the radiator shroud and you'll be all set. It's really easy.

[Turnintires]

use a long handled flex bar for the tensioner release can make thing a little easer

[grantfire319]

pretty easy uses a 3/8 inch drive wratchet head, make sure you have belt diagram, if not draw one.