Hello Guys,

I am going to be performing some preventative maintenance. I have to change out the fan clutch (motorcraft) so while I am there I am going to put in an Aisin water pump and a new belt tension (?)

The ranger has 103K on it and is a 2005 2.3.

Do we recommend a motorcraft tensioner or is a aftermarket (rockauto) as good.

I just don't want to be guilty of replacing a working part with something inferior.

Also, what do you all think of changing the radiator (denso) as they are only 110 dollars as preventative or should I just wait a bit longer.

Thanks,

Bob

 

To answer your questions:

Just look at the options on rockauto, and google each brand name and read a couple reviews on each. I just looked up your truck. Any of the brands they are selling are probably a good bet. SKP is pretty good. Although personally if your belt tensioner is still working fine I wouldn't bother replacing it, maybe pull it off and grease the axle.

Is your radiator leaking or have lots of damage? If the answer is no, I wouldn't bother replacing it. If you want to clean up the radiator then pull the lower and upper hoses off, stick a garden hose in the fill spout and keep water pumping until the water coming out the bottom is clear. My 1993 still has the original radiator in it, and that's exactly what I did. Not a drop of coolant to be found under the truck, EVER.

 

Thanks for the comments. I had some debris (looked like clutch material) in the AC orifice tube when I changed it out and the clutch used to clunk loudly when it engaged which was reduced when I I put new engine mounts in but I am not sure if that clunking was partly due to the tensioner. I just don't want any future trouble with the AC compressor.

I think I will take the radiator out and give it a good cleaning.


Thank you,


BOB

 

Don't scrimp on the water pump, get a Ford one.
Cheap water pumps may last a long time or less then a year, it's a PINTA to replace.

 

Hello All,

Just to follow up. I did get the belt tensioner installed and it was easy enough to do. Not sure if I needed to do it but I thought it would be a good idea.

I did fail on the fan clutch. The Haynes manual says use a strap wrench. Well that did not work. I will have to find an pneumatic tool to get it off.


Thanks


BOB