2016 Ford F-350 Super Duty Serpentine Belt Routing & Replacement

Quick Answer

For your 2016 Ford F-350 Super Duty, the serpentine belt specifications depend on your engine. The most common engines are the 6.2L V8 (gasoline) and the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 (diesel). Always verify these part numbers with your VIN.

6.2L V8 Gasoline Engine

• Belt Length: Approximately 2215 mm (87.2 inches)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: BC3Z-8620-E
• Aftermarket Cross-References:
  • Gates K060872
  • Dayco 5060872
  • Continental Elite 4060872
• Auto-Tensioner PN: BC3Z-6B209-A
• Idler Pulley PN: BC3Z-8678-A (typically a smooth pulley)

6.7L Power Stroke V8 Diesel Engine (Single Alternator)

• Belt Length: Approximately 2760 mm (108.7 inches)
• Rib Count: 8-rib
• OEM Belt PN: BC3Z-8620-C
• Aftermarket Cross-References:
  • Gates K081087
  • Dayco 5081087
  • Continental Elite 4081087
• Auto-Tensioner PN: FC3Z-6B209-A
• Idler Pulley PN: BC3Z-8678-B (typically a smooth pulley)

Note: Diesel engines with dual alternators will have different belt configurations and lengths. Consult your owner's manual or a parts supplier with your VIN for accurate information.

Belt Routing

Before you begin any work, take a clear photograph of the existing belt routing! This will be your most valuable reference during reinstallation. The description below is for the primary serpentine belt on a 2016 Ford F-350. Please note that exact routing can vary slightly by engine and specific accessory options. The following provides a general path:

6.2L V8 Gasoline Engine Routing

Beginning from the crankshaft pulley (the largest pulley at the bottom, usually central):

1. From the top of the crankshaft pulley, the belt goes up and to the left around the A/C compressor pulley.
2. From the A/C compressor, it travels upward to a smooth idler pulley.
3. From the idler, the belt goes down to the right, under and around the alternator pulley.
4. From the alternator, it makes a long path to the left, wrapping around the power steering pump pulley.
5. From the power steering pump, the belt goes down and around the water pump pulley.
6. Finally, from the water pump, it travels to the right and over the ribbed automatic tensioner pulley, which maintains the belt's tension, before returning to the crankshaft pulley.

6.7L Power Stroke V8 Diesel Engine Routing (Single Alternator)

Beginning from the crankshaft pulley:

1. From the top of the crankshaft pulley, the belt goes up and over the A/C compressor pulley.
2. From the A/C compressor, it travels upward to the first idler pulley (often between the A/C and alternator).
3. From this idler, the belt goes down to the alternator pulley.
4. After the alternator, it may wrap around another idler pulley before heading towards the power steering pump.
5. The belt then wraps around the power steering pump pulley.
6. From the power steering pump, it typically goes to the water pump pulley.
7. Finally, after the water pump, the belt engages the automatic tensioner pulley, which is often located near the top or side of the engine, before returning to the crankshaft pulley.

Always compare this description with your photographed routing for precise installation.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Tools Needed:

• Serpentine belt tool or a long 3/8-inch drive breaker bar/ratchet
• New serpentine belt
• Possibly a diagram (your photo!)

Steps:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is cool and the vehicle is off. For added safety, disconnect the negative battery terminal, especially if working near electrical components.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the automatic serpentine belt tensioner. It will have a square hole (usually 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch) designed to accept a breaker bar or serpentine belt tool.
3. Relieve Tension: Insert your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar into the square hole on the tensioner. Apply steady leverage (usually clockwise for most Ford applications on these engines) to rotate the tensioner arm, relieving tension from the belt.
4. Remove Old Belt: While holding the tensioner in the loosened position, carefully slip the old belt off one of the pulleys (often the idler pulley is easiest to start with). Once it's off a pulley, you can release the tensioner slowly.
5. Inspect Pulleys: With the old belt removed, inspect all pulleys (alternator, power steering, A/C compressor, water pump, idlers) for excessive play, wobbling, or grinding noises. Check the tensioner pulley itself for smooth operation. Replace any faulty pulleys.
6. Route New Belt: Using your photograph and the routing description, carefully route the new belt around all pulleys EXCEPT the last one (often an idler or a smooth pulley that's easy to slip the belt over). Make sure the ribs on the belt align with the ribbed pulleys and the smooth side aligns with smooth idler pulleys.
7. Final Installation: Once the belt is mostly routed, re-apply tension to the automatic tensioner with your tool. While held open, slip the new belt over the final pulley. Slowly release the tensioner, ensuring the belt is seated correctly on all pulleys.
8. Double-Check: Spin the crankshaft manually a few times (if possible, with the appropriate socket and wrench) to ensure the belt is properly seated and tracking straight on all pulleys. Start the engine briefly and observe the belt for any wobbling, squealing, or improper tracking.

Replacement Interval

Ford generally recommends inspecting the serpentine belt at every scheduled maintenance interval (typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months) and replacing it as needed. Most serpentine belts are designed to last between 50,000 to 100,000 miles, but environmental factors (extreme heat/cold, contaminants) and driving conditions can affect its lifespan. It's always best to replace the belt proactively if signs of wear are observed, regardless of mileage.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Don't wait for a complete belt failure, which can leave you stranded and potentially cause engine damage. Be aware of these warning signs:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is the most common symptom. It often indicates a worn, glazed, or misaligned belt, or a failing pulley bearing. The noise might be more pronounced on cold starts or during hard acceleration.
• Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing: Visually inspect the belt. Longitudinal cracks (ribs separating), fraying edges, chunks missing, or a shiny/glazed appearance on the ribbed side are all signs of a worn belt that needs replacement.
• Loss of Power Steering, A/C, or Alternator: If the belt breaks or slips severely, these accessories will stop functioning immediately. Your battery light may come on (due to alternator failure), and steering will become very difficult.
• Vibrations or Wobbling: A worn or damaged belt, or a failing tensioner/idler pulley, can cause excessive vibrations or wobbling in the belt path.
• Tensioner Not Holding Tension: The automatic tensioner has a spring mechanism. If it's failing, it may not apply enough pressure, leading to belt slippage and noise. Sometimes, you can visually see the tensioner arm not holding steady, or it might be seized.

Proactive inspection and timely replacement are key to reliable operation of your F-350 Super Duty.

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