I need to change the alternator on a 2001 ford focus and need to know what size wrench is needed to loosen the timing belt tensioner enough to remove the timing belt. Please help

FIRST TURN OFF RADIO THEN DISCONNECT NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE.IF YOU HAVE 2.7L ENGINE YOU HAVE TO REMOVE LOWER PLASTIC SPLASH SHIELD, REMOVE TRANSMISSION COOLER AND POSITION IT ASIDE.LOWER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER SUPPORT, LOOSEN DONT REMOVE,ADJUSTING T BOLT AND THE PIVOT BOLT LOOSEN BELT ADJUSTING BOLT, REMOVE DRIVE. REMOVE ALTERNATOR FIELD CIRCUIT PLUG. REMOVE ALTERNATOR BATTERY PLUS TERMINAL NUT AND WIRE REMOVE.PIVOT BOLT SPACER CAREFUL DONT DROP LOSE SPACER. THEN REMOVE ALTERNATOR. YOU NEED BELT TENSION GAUGE TORQUE ADJUSTING T BOLT UNTIL TENSION GAUGE READS 120 LBS USED BELT NEW BELT 180 - 200 LBS. YOU NEED ALL BASIC MECHANIC TOOL SET WITH METRIC SOCKETS METRIC OPEN BOX END WRENCHES.SIZE WRENCH RANGE 5MM UP TO 19MM NEED ADJUSTABLE PLIERS NEED SCREW DRIVERS LIKE FLAT HEAD AND PHILLIPS. YOU NEED TORQUE WRENCH. FOR THE PIVOT BOLT NEED TORQUE TO 40 FT LBS. THE 8MM MOUNTING BOLT TO 30 FT LBS. 10MM BOLT TO 40 FT LBS.

take a wrench to the drive belt tensor which is a spring loaded pulley off center from the belt path. this is what provides the tension on the belt.

For 2001 Ford Truck Windstar 3.8L SFI 6cyl

Fig. Accessory serpentine belt routing-3.8L engine (click for zoom)

Using a 15mm wrench attached to the drive belt tensioner pulley, rotate the tensioner clockwise to release the tension. Remove the drive belt from the pulley. When installing the new drive belt, ensure that the drive belt is routed correctly and note the position of the indicator mark on the tensioner.

Fig. Drive belt tensioner wear indicator marks

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Hi
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the link above should tell you all you need to know if you get stuck or have any problems give me a shout back ok

There is a diagram sticker under hood that shows you the routing of the belt. As far as removing it the tension pulley will have a bolt in the center of it.Put a wrench on it and turn it counter clockwise it is spring tensioned so be carefull and dont smash you finger. when the belt loosens take it off.

Just a clue: the water pump and the tensioner are the only items that run off the BACK side of the belt.

So, it is the pulley that is NOT the waterpump- and it will have a 9/16ths nut sticking out of it (so that you can put a wrench on it to remove tension from the belt)
Does this get you moving in the correct direction?
-Jim

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable (both on diesels).
2. Release tension and remove the drive belt.
3. Disconnect the wiring harness at the plastic connector.
4. Remove the output terminal nut(s) and disconnect the output cable.
5. On diesel engines: loosen, but do NOT remove, the alternator bracket-to-engine bolt.
6. Remove alternator mounting bolts. Note any shims or spacers in the assembly.
7. Carefully remove the alternator from the engine.

To install:

1. Position the alternator on the engine. Be sure to install any shims or spacers.
2. Install the alternator mounting bolts and tighten to 40 ft. lbs. (54 Nm) for 2.5L and diesel engines, 30 ft. lbs. (41 Nm) for others.
3. Connect the electrical harness. Connect the output cable and tighten the nut.
4. Install and the accessory drive belt and check tension.
5. Connect the negative battery cable.
6. Check the alternator for proper operation.

Tensioner must be moved to loosen belt
Use a socket and breaker bar to rotate the tensioner and remove the serpentine belt. (see pic)

Depending on your installed accessories and engine size CLICK HERE for a belt routing diagram - it also will show the belt tensioner location.

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Change the tensioner and the belt,,tensioner sizes up and its better to replace it,,it happened to me and had to cut the old belt,,,cost about $80

normally you can take a 1/2inch breaker bar and insert it in the hole on the tensioner pull down and take the belt off the alternator and also try autozone.com to see if they have your car listed for diagrams pictures and step by step instructions if your car is not listed then try your local library they have all the car manuals and even copy them for you

You may have a self tensioner which applies belt tension with a spring.

Look for a spot to put a 1/'2"drive breaker bar on it and release the belt tension, then slide the belt off and install new belt. You may need a helper to remove the belt while you hold the tension off,
Its been awhile since I have seen an Escort, i may be wrong!