# Serpentine belt installation 2004 Ford Taurus 3.0L Duratec motor

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/serpentine-belt-installation-2004-ford-taurus-3-0l-duratec-motor/66570>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** belts\
**Created:** [July 25, 2011, 8:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/serpentine-belt-installation-2004-ford-taurus-3-0l-duratec-motor/66570 "2011-07-25T20:09:45Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![wvra00](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a87d85/32.png) [@wvra00](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wvra00)\
**Post date:** [July 25, 2011, 8:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/serpentine-belt-installation-2004-ford-taurus-3-0l-duratec-motor/66570/1 "2011-07-25T20:09:45Z")

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I can’t figure out how to move the belt tensioner to install new belt. All videos I’ve looked at keep showing me a different setup than my car. They all show the Vulcan motor instead of the Duratec. The tensioner has a bolt and if I turn it conterclockwise, it loosens the bolt that holds in the tensioner. If I turn clockwise, it tightens bolt but does not move the spring loaded tensioner so I can install belt. Is there a special tool needed here? Help!

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**Author:** ![FordMan59](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb8c5e/32.png) [@FordMan59](https://community.cartalk.com/u/FordMan59)\
**Post date:** [July 25, 2011, 10:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/serpentine-belt-installation-2004-ford-taurus-3-0l-duratec-motor/66570/2 "2011-07-25T22:34:00Z")

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I’m not sure about your Taurus, but many Fords have a square hole in the tensioner that you put a 3/8" ratchet into and pull to release the tension on the belt (spring loaded). No need to bother the bolt in the tensioner.

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**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\
**Post date:** [July 25, 2011, 11:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/serpentine-belt-installation-2004-ford-taurus-3-0l-duratec-motor/66570/3 "2011-07-25T23:36:07Z")

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This is why they print service manuals. And this is why you should have one.