We are trying to figure out why the battery would flicker, not all the time, just when you idle and hold the break or when you put on the heater- last night it was right around 9 on the meter, but this morning it was totally charged.. do we have too big of a belt, or is our alternator going bad? Please help, please help fast!! Thank you!

 

Simple things to check. The reference number for your belt. Do you have a 4.6 and you put a 5.4 belt on? Is the belt routed correctly? Is is on the pulleys correctly? Did you put a 6 rib on an 8 rib pulley? Is it slipping? Is the tensionner worn out. Check the reference mark for your vehicle. Last thing to do is have the battery and alternator tested.

JMC

 

I am sad to say that I do not have much information for I am the wife. I know the truck is a 97 f-150 4.6- I also know the guy sold us a Dayco_5080990 Serpentine Belt: 1-1/8" x 99" 8 Rib, he did say if this is too big you can come back and get the 98- also 8 rib. Could you one tell me how to check if it's slipping, and could you tell me exactly where you would find the reference mark on the truck? Thanks.

 

And do you think we got the wrong size?

 

Check the tensioner. See picture below.
If the pointer is in the #3 range it is too long get the 98" belt.

JMC

 

JMC.... Cool Photo!!!


clw01220.... The belt is too big. I've seen this before on the 4.6l. There were production changes that year and three belt applications. Two ( 5080980 & 5080990) for A/C applications and one ( 5080795) for no A/C. You need Dayco # 5080980. It will clear the problem right up.