Need help with tensioner installation

[bbroof]

Last week I attempted to replace a serp. belt that slipped off and noticed that the tensioner was out of alignment. I took it to a mechanic and he said the tensioner needed replacement. They attempted to replace it, but the bolt became stripped and the threads on the "gizmo" (whatever it's called) that the bolt screws into is also stripped.

My problem now is finding out the name of the "gizmo" so that I can replace it. It looks like a round thick piece of metal with a few screws (two to four) that bolts it to the block.

Does anyone know where I can "see" a diagram of the engine so that I can figure out what the part's name is so that I can order it. So far, no one can tell me what the name of the part is. Without a name, a computer search is useless. "Gizmo" simply won't do for a proper search.

I'm trying to get this piece of crap of a minivan back on the road so I can unload it on somebody else.

96 Ford Windstar, 3.8L engine.

[ruggratt]

Originally Posted by bbroof

Last week I attempted to replace a serp. belt that slipped off and noticed that the tensioner was out of alignment. I took it to a mechanic and he said the tensioner needed replacement. They attempted to replace it, but the bolt became stripped and the threads on the "gizmo" (whatever it's called) that the bolt screws into is also stripped.

My problem now is finding out the name of the "gizmo" so that I can replace it. It looks like a round thick piece of metal with a few screws (two to four) that bolts it to the block.

Does anyone know where I can "see" a diagram of the engine so that I can figure out what the part's name is so that I can order it. So far, no one can tell me what the name of the part is. Without a name, a computer search is useless. "Gizmo" simply won't do for a proper search.

I'm trying to get this piece of crap of a minivan back on the road so I can unload it on somebody else.

96 Ford Windstar, 3.8L engine.

The only info I can find online calls it the "tensioner mounting bracket". Try calling a Ford dealer, they should be able to tell you for sure.

[wiswind]

Not sure if this link will work.....but it is a picture of a Gates replacement.

http://www.rockauto.com/ref/Gates/Detail.html?38139.jpg

If this is what you need.....it is called a "Belt Tensioner Assembly"