4.6l belt tensioner

[tccoupe]

I want to remove the serpentine on my car and the tensioner appears to be an aftermarket item without a square hole in it to install a ratchet. How do I move the tensioner to get the belt loose so I can remove it? Anyone had this problem?

Thanks, Bruce

[Cobrafang]

I seem to remember using a large screwdriver or a pry-bar as a lever to move the tensioner just enough to get the belt off the water pump because it was smooth versus having groves, but I might be getting my 5.0 and my 4.6 confused.

[Jim woodruff]

Bruce, He is correct in using the large screw drive,thats what I had to do. Please post the correct part number if you order the correct Ford unit. Hope all is well with you. Jim

[CMPanoz]

I’ve used 2 different methods. A giant crescent wrench on the arm or a buddy pushing the arm down with a 3' long 2x4.

[tccoupe]

Thanks guys. I was afraid of the answer. Guess I'm going to have to get ugly with it.