2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty Serpentine Belt Routing & Replacement

Quick Answer

For the 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty, the serpentine belt and related components can vary depending on the engine. The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine is the most common for heavy-duty applications.

6.7L Power Stroke Diesel Engine

• Belt Length: Approximately 2950mm (116.1 inches)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: HC3Z-8620-E
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K061161
  • Dayco 5061160
  • Continental Elite 4061161
• Auto-Tensioner PN: HC3Z-6B209-A
• Idler Pulley PN: FC3Z-6C348-A (One of several, verify for specific application)

Belt Routing (6.7L Power Stroke Diesel)

Before you begin, it’s highly recommended to take a photograph of your current serpentine belt routing. This will serve as an invaluable reference during reinstallation.

The serpentine belt on the 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine typically routes as follows:

1. Starting from the crankshaft pulley, the belt typically goes up to the A/C compressor pulley.
2. From the A/C compressor, it then routes to an idler pulley.
3. After the idler pulley, it usually goes down to the alternator pulley.
4. From the alternator, it makes its way to the power steering pump pulley.
5. Next, it wraps around the water pump pulley.
6. Finally, it leads to the automatic tensioner pulley, which maintains the correct belt tension across all accessories.

Keep in mind that slight variations can exist. Always refer to your vehicle’s specific under-hood diagram if available, or, as mentioned, take a picture before removal.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty requires a serpentine belt tool or a breaker bar for the tensioner. Here are the general steps:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental starting or electrical shorts.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the automatic tensioner pulley. It will have a square opening (usually 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch) designed for a breaker bar or serpentine belt tool.
3. Relieve Tension: Insert the breaker bar or serpentine belt tool into the tensioner’s square opening. Rotate the tensioner to relieve tension on the belt. This will allow the belt to be easily removed from the pulleys.
4. Remove the Old Belt: While holding the tensioner open, carefully slide the old belt off one of the pulleys (usually one of the idler pulleys or a less critical accessory pulley first).
5. Inspect Pulleys: With the old belt off, take this opportunity to inspect all pulleys for any signs of wear, wobbling, or excessive noise when spun by hand. Also, check the automatic tensioner for proper spring tension and smooth operation.
6. Install the New Belt: Following your photograph or the routing diagram, begin installing the new belt around all pulleys, leaving the final pulley (often the tensioner or an idler) for last.
7. Apply Tension: Once the belt is mostly in place, use the serpentine belt tool or breaker bar to again pivot the tensioner, creating enough slack to slip the new belt onto the final pulley.
8. Verify Routing: Slowly release the tensioner, allowing it to apply pressure to the new belt. Double-check that the belt is correctly seated in all pulley grooves and that the routing matches your diagram.
9. Reconnect Battery & Test: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, observing the new belt for proper operation and listening for any unusual noises.

Replacement Interval

For the 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty, Ford generally recommends inspecting the serpentine belt at regular service intervals, typically every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, or annually. Replacement is usually recommended between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, or if signs of wear are observed during inspection. However, severe driving conditions (towing heavy loads, extreme temperatures, dusty environments) may necessitate earlier replacement.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

It’s crucial to be aware of the signs that indicate your serpentine belt or automatic tensioner may be failing:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is one of the most common indicators. A worn or misaligned belt, or a failing tensioner or pulley bearing, can cause these noises, especially on cold starts or when turning the steering wheel.
• Visible Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing: Inspect the belt's ribbed surface. Cracks, missing chunks, fraying edges, or a shiny, glazed appearance are clear signs the belt is deteriorating and needs replacement.
• Loss of Power Steering or A/C: Since the serpentine belt drives these accessories, a broken or severely slipping belt will result in a loss of power steering assistance and the A/C system not blowing cold air.
• Engine Overheating: If the water pump is driven by the serpentine belt, a broken belt can lead to the engine overheating due to a lack of coolant circulation.
• Battery Light On: A broken belt will prevent the alternator from charging the battery, leading to the battery warning light illuminating on your dashboard.
• Wobbling or Misaligned Pulleys: Observe the pulleys while the engine is running (from a safe distance). Any wobbling or visible misalignment of a pulley, especially the tensioner, indicates a problem.
• Loose Belt Tension: If the belt feels loose even when the engine is off, the automatic tensioner might be weakening and failing to apply adequate tension.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to address them promptly to prevent further damage or breakdown.

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