2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty Serpentine Belt Routing & Replacement Guide

Quick answer:

For 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel Engine:

• Belt Length: Approximately 2950mm (116.1 inches) — Always verify with a parts supplier.
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: HC3Z-8620-A (Ford)
• Aftermarket Cross-References:
  • Gates K061161 (or similar, verify length)
  • Dayco 5061160 (or similar, verify length)
  • Continental Elite 4061160 (or similar, verify length)
• Auto-Tensioner PN: HC3Z-6B209-A (Ford) / Gates 38555 / Dayco 89209
• Idler Pulley PN: FC3Z-8678-A (Ford) / Gates 36248 / Dayco 89006

For 6.2L V8 Gasoline Engine:

• Belt Length: Approximately 2400mm (94.5 inches) — Always verify with a parts supplier.
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: BC3Z-8620-A (Ford)
• Aftermarket Cross-References:
  • Gates K060945 (or similar, verify length)
  • Dayco 5060945 (or similar, verify length)
  • Continental Elite 4060945 (or similar, verify length)
• Auto-Tensioner PN: BC3Z-6B209-B (Ford) / Gates 38411 / Dayco 89240
• Idler Pulley PN: BC3Z-8678-A (Ford) / Gates 36173 / Dayco 89012

Belt Routing (6.7L Power Stroke Diesel)

• Important Note: Before removing your old belt, take a clear photo or sketch of the current belt's routing. This will be an invaluable reference during reinstallation.

The 6.7L Power Stroke serpentine belt drives multiple accessories. Here's a common routing path:

1. Begin at the crankshaft pulley (bottom-most central pulley).
2. From the crankshaft, the belt typically goes up and to the right to the A/C compressor pulley.
3. From the A/C compressor, it will wrap over an idler pulley (often smooth, assisting in routing).
4. After the idler, the belt continues down to the alternator pulley.
5. From the alternator, it routes under the power steering pump pulley.
6. Next, it wraps around the water pump pulley (often a smooth, larger pulley).
7. Finally, the belt connects to the automatic tensioner pulley. The tensioner will have a square drive hole for a serpentine belt tool or breaker bar.

Belt Routing (6.2L V8 Gasoline)

• Important Note: Always photograph or sketch your existing belt's routing before removal to ensure correct reinstallation.

The 6.2L V8 gasoline engine also utilizes a single serpentine belt to power its accessories. A common routing path is as follows:

1. Start at the crankshaft pulley (the largest, lowest pulley).
2. From the crankshaft, the belt often goes up and to the left to the power steering pump pulley.
3. From the power steering pump, it routes over an idler pulley.
4. Next, it wraps around the alternator pulley.
5. From the alternator, it continues down to the A/C compressor pulley.
6. The belt then goes up and around the water pump pulley.
7. Finally, it loops around the automatic tensioner pulley.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your F-350 Super Duty is a manageable DIY job with the right tools:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental starting.
2. Document Routing: As mentioned, take clear photos or sketch the belt's path before proceeding.
3. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the automatic belt tensioner. It will have a square opening, typically 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch, designed for a breaker bar or a specialized serpentine belt tool.
4. Relieve Tension: Insert your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar into the tensioner's square opening. Rotate the tensioner counter-clockwise (for most Ford applications) to relieve tension on the belt. Hold it in this position.
5. Remove Old Belt: While holding the tensioner, carefully slip the old belt off one of the easier pulleys (e.g., the alternator or idler pulley).
6. Inspect Pulleys: With the belt off, visually inspect all pulleys for any play, wobbling, or grinding noises. Check for worn bearings or rough edges that could damage the new belt. Spin each pulley by hand to feel for resistance.
7. Install New Belt: Route the new belt according to your previously taken photos or sketch. Start by placing it on all the stationary pulleys, leaving the tensioner pulley or an easily accessible smooth pulley for last.
8. Final Tensioning: Once the belt is correctly routed on all other pulleys, use your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar to rotate the tensioner again. Slip the belt onto the last pulley. Slowly release the tensioner, ensuring the belt seats correctly in all grooves.
9. Double-Check: Remove your tool. Visually inspect the entire belt path to confirm it's seated properly in all pulley grooves and not twisted. Give the belt a few quick cranks by hand (if possible) to let it seat.
10. Reconnect Battery & Test: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the engine and listen for any abnormal noises (squealing, chirping). Let it run for a few minutes and re-inspect the belt's alignment.

Tools You'll Need:

• Serpentine belt tool or a 3/8-inch / 1/2-inch breaker bar
• Socket (if using a breaker bar and the tensioner bolt needs loosening, though typically not for tension relief)
• Camera or pen and paper for routing diagram

Replacement Interval

For most 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty models (both 6.7L Power Stroke and 6.2L V8), it's generally recommended to inspect the serpentine belt at every oil change or major service interval. Replacement is typically recommended every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or if signs of wear are observed during inspection. However, always refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate manufacturer-recommended service intervals, as driving conditions and vehicle usage can influence belt life.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a failing serpentine belt or tensioner can lead to significant issues, including loss of power steering, alternator failure, AC loss, and engine overheating. Watch out for these warning signs:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is the most common sign. A persistent squeal, especially on startup, during turns, or when accessories like the A/C are engaged, often indicates a worn belt, misaligned pulley, or a failing tensioner/idler pulley.
• Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing on the Belt: Visually inspect the belt. Deep cracks, missing ribs, frayed edges, or a smooth, shiny (glazed) appearance on the ribbed side indicate excessive wear and loss of grip.
• Loss of Power Steering: If your power steering suddenly becomes difficult or you lose assistance, the serpentine belt may have snapped or be slipping excessively.
• Overheating Engine: A broken serpentine belt means the water pump isn't circulating coolant, leading to rapid engine overheating.
• Battery Warning Light: If the alternator isn't spinning, it won't charge the battery, triggering the battery warning light on your dashboard.
• A/C Not Working: The A/C compressor won't engage if the belt isn't driving it.
• Belt Slipping: If you notice reduced effectiveness from accessories or a burning rubber smell, the belt might be slipping.
• Tensioner Play or Noise: With the engine off, gently try to wiggle the tensioner pulley. Excessive play, rough rotation, or a grinding noise when spinning it by hand (belt removed) indicates a failing tensioner.
• Tensioner Indicator Mark: Some tensioners have marks or arrows to indicate proper tension. If the indicator is outside the normal range, the tensioner may be weak.

Address these symptoms promptly to avoid being stranded or causing further damage to your F-350 Super Duty.

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