2004 Yamaha F150 Tensioner

[Nautical]

What is best method to release tension. Using the manual it says to turn hex clockwise. No movement?? Seems odd.

[boscoe99]

According to what I recently read here, there is no special training required to release the belt tensioning device on an F150. Just keep turning it. Use a breaker bar if needed. Then when it breaks buy a new one at $340 a pop. It will then be really easy to install.

Just being facetious of course. That sumbitch will break on you in a nanosecond if the proper procedure is not used.

You will want to use a torque wrench to turn the hex fitting. Beam type works best. Apply a very, very light load to the torque wrench very, very slowly. No more than 100 lb-in of torque. Did I mention to apply the load very, very slowly and very, very lightly? 100 lb-in almost feels like nothing. Best to use a torque wrench that has a very low scale and with more than likely a 1/4 drive.

Oh, and go slowly. Send me your email address via PM and I will send you some data that addresses the appropriate release procedure.

[Nautical]

According to what I recently read here, there is no special training required to release the belt tensioning device on an F150. Just keep turning it. Use a breaker bar if needed. Then when it breaks buy a new one at $340 a pop. It will then be really easy to install.

Just being facetious of course. That sumbitch will break on you in a nanosecond if the proper procedure is not used.

You will want to use a torque wrench to turn the hex fitting. Beam type works best. Apply a very, very light load to the torque wrench very, very slowly. No more than 100 lb-in of torque. Did I mention to apply the load very, very slowly and very, very lightly? 100 lb-in almost feels like nothing. Best to use a torque wrench that has a very low scale and with more than likely a 1/4 drive.

Oh, and go slowly. Send me your email address via PM and I will send you some data that addresses the appropriate release procedure.

Thanks , you are sooo right.. I busted one.. Cracked by the hex. Still is doing its job just fine and cant see why it will fail , but still I want to replace it. I will follow your instructions..Thanks again.

[Nautical]

The Yamaha Service manual does not give you the straight skinny on removal.. Just says insert hex wrench turn clockwise and insert pin. This is a recipe for disaster. You follow the service manual(at least the one I have from Yamaha) and you cant help but bust it..No wonder so many techs break these damn things..

[boscoe99]

The Yamaha Service manual does not give you the straight skinny on removal.. Just says insert hex wrench turn clockwise and insert pin. This is a recipe for disaster. You follow the service manual(at least the one I have from Yamaha) and you cant help but bust it..No wonder so many techs break these damn things..

Send me a PM with your email address and I will send you an expanded procedure.

You are not the first to have broken the tensioner and I daresay you won't be the last.

Does the term "pot metal" come to mind?

[Nautical]

A big thank you ..That is some great information.. Now it all makes sense. A pity the service manual was not as detailed and specific as you are.. Great stuff.

[rodbolt17]

so far I haven't broken one.
however I have dealt with hydraulic tensioners for better than 30 yrs.
the colder it is the longer it takes to bleed off the hydraulics.
just go slow and easy.