Checking drive belts (Mondeo 3)

The auxiliary units (alternator, water pump, etc.) in the Mondeo are driven by a V-belt, in the Duratec-HE and DuraTorg units this task is performed by a 6K-Poly-V belt (multi-groove belt). The Duratec-VE has two such belts: one on the right side of the engine for the alternator, hydraulic steering pump and AC compressor, and one on the left side to drive the water pump. In general, Ford uses such drive belts that are especially flexible in following the radii of the belt pulleys. To avoid irritation and anger in cases of emergency, include the necessary spare drive belts in your emergency kit - you will need them someday.

Belt drive Duratec-HE

1 - Generator, 2 - Swivel roller, 3 — Power steering pump, 4 - Water pump, 5 - AC compressor, 6 — Torsional vibration damper, 7 - Automatic belt tensioner.

Modified belt drive of the "new" Duratec-VE

1 - Generator, 2 — Power steering pump, 3 - Automatic belt tensioner, 4 - AC compressor, 5 — Torsional vibration damper.

With two swivel castors: DuraTorg-DI belt drive

1 - Swivel roller, 2 - Belt tensioner, 3 - Swivel roller, 4 - AC compressor, 5 - Drive belt, 6 — Torsional vibration damper, 7 — Generator.

Checking the tension of drive belts

Drive belts only perform their duties properly when they are properly tensioned: they should be tight, but not too tight. Check the gap at the furthest points between the two auxiliary drives from time to time. Just squeeze the belts there with your fingers: if the gap is three to five millimeters, then everything is fine. Tightly tensioned belts have a negative effect on the service life of the generator bearings, water pump (depending on the engine type) and air conditioning compressor.

In addition, tightly tensioned drive belts are overstretched and can break as a result. "Loose" drive belts, on the other hand, slip – this becomes noticeable by a faint squeaking noise. The alternator is one of the most "sufferers", it does not generate sufficient charging current, which the battery requires during short-distance driving or during cold starts. In addition, the belts themselves are damaged, their edges "burn out". And as a result: premature wear. In extreme cases, slipping drive belts can also lead to an increase in engine temperature and thus to more serious damage (e.g. piston seizure, burning of the cylinder head gasket). Although the Mondeo automatically adjusts the drive belt gap, you should take a look at this "transmission" from time to time.

ORDER OF EXECUTION

Check the belt surfaces. Turn the engine over manually several times. This is the only way to reliably inspect the entire V-belt. Most often, V-belts may have one, but deep, crack. And if during the inspection this crack unfortunately appears on the belt pulley, even during the inspection a defect may appear. If defects have been identified, it is better to replace the drive belt immediately. For example, if there is: - irregular grinding marks on the edges of the belt, - porous, frayed edges or surfaces, - old cracks.

The original source of the publication is on the website fordbook.ru