Explorer Serp Swap (Updated with photos)

[bronconut73]

I have heard we need a special flat wrench when removing the fan on these Explorer systems, noticed this on later 300 straight six engines in F-150's too. Real flat wrench is needed to fit in the provided gap.
But what about during assembly?
The engine running will just continue to tighten it right?

Do I need to rent that wrench to attach the fan or just to disassemble?

I am pretty far along with my Explorer serp swap.

 

[bronconut73]

Another question,

Has anybody posted the serp belt length for the Explorer serp on a 351W with a/c.

I measure 99" static but I don't know what to buy because of course it needs to be shorter than 99" but I do not know how much shorter....

Any thoughts fellas?

I researched this stuff for a bit.
The wonderful wonderful tech article has gotten me this far with relative ease.
It references an 87" belt but thats for no a/c.

 

[sanndmann3]

I don't remember what size I used before I made changes and customized it...
but I recommend buying 4 or 5 and just return the ones you don't use. the part number is usually something like 6k980 where the 6 k is thee number of ribs and the the 980 means 98 in length.

I would recommend the wrenches for tightening but don't seehow it wouldcome loose

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...-piece-ac660/10051070-P?searchTerm=fan+wrench

$25 at Advanced auto. If you have some flat stock you can trace out the profile and make your own... ( but only if you are really frugal like me... lol)

 

[bronconut73]

I think I would like to have the wrench instead of rent it.
Thank you for the link Buddy.

 

[01JLH]

If you don't get some torque on it when installing, when you turn off your engine and the crank stops rotating the fan can possibly keep spinning and un-install itself.

 

[Broncobowsher]

The fan wrench set isn't that expensive, and it comes in handy. I got mine for a one time deal, I have used it many many times. Very much worth owning. It turns a struggle into no big deal.

 

[bronconut73]

Do y'all know what length I should shoot for if I have a 99" static length?
I just ran a long field tape measure and hot 8'3" (99"), but ofcourse that is with the tensioner completely unloaded.

How much shorter should I shoot for?

One inch
Two inch?

I found a 97.5" belt.
Is that shorter enough than 99" ?

 

[hankjr]

FWIW, i ran masking tape around my serp (sag pump 351 no ac) and went to local parts store several times. i ended up just 5/8 shorter than tape length i think it was.

hank

 

[bronconut73]

99" unloaded
97" loaded slightly passed the middle of the 3 arrows on the tensioner.

Hoping 97.5" will be right....its the closest size I could find to my measurements,

 

[sanndmann3]

Can't say for sure but I would try it along with a couple shorter and longer... (Whatever the sizes they have). They always let me return what I didn't use as long as I didn't wear the part numbers off...
Good to hear you are making progress I think you will really like all the advantages of serp drive.��

 

[Crush]

I used tke 6k980. 98” belt on my stock expy setup. I have an a/. Eliminator but it i ssupposed to have the same diameter pully on it

 

[bronconut73]

Thank you fellas.

I have learned a bit today. Love that.

The belt I purchased has an outside circumference of 98.1" and what they call an "effective length" of 97.54".

Sounds like I am right there with what Crush used. That is comforting.
Won't be home for about an hour but will update soon after.

Thanks again guys.
I love this place,

 

[bronconut73]

Perfect fit.

Gates
Micro-V Progress
K060975

13/16" wide
98 1/8" outside circumference
97 1/2" inside circumference
6 rib

Going onto a 70's 351 Windsor with the Explorer Serp including A/C.

Crush nailed it at 98"

Thank you Man

Thank you all

Love this place

 

[Crush]

you are welcome my friend

 

[bronconut73]

Some photos during and after.

All new accessories including idler pulleys except for the junkyard Explorer power steering pump included with Serp kit from Sandmann.

These accessories are utterly silent. I didn't realize how loud my v-belt system and accessories were. They all worked perfectly and I never noticed their roar, but I sure notice the roar's absence. Maybe this fan is quieter too....but it will suck your shirt off when the clutch is fully engaged. Amazing cfm.
It's only about 89 degrees in the garage tonight so it's not a great test of its cooling ability, but it just sits at 185 no matter how long it idles. It has a 185 degree thermostat in it so ......so far so good.

On a side note, Sandmann told me to use the junkyard power steering pump to mock things up. Then use it as a core to get a new one at the parts store. He is such a super nice guy. A great service he provides (Explorer Serp packages). Everything is cleaned and painted, including the bolt heads. Oh and he bags up all of those bolts, and it's a lot of them too. Special bolts you won't find anywhere else too.
Looks really nice Buddy, and performs even better.

Heard about a couple of guys here having bad luck with the remanufactured parts store power steering pumps. They said they were having better results getting used "Ford pumps" from the junkyard (some w/150k+ miles).

Oh that junkyard power steering pump from Sandmann?
Bled the air out of it in 5 minutes, I can steer my 35's with one finger. Better than my unmodified Saginaw. Maybe its living on borrowed time, don't care, I am very pleased with it.

Anyway, great mod. New accessories are great and my old ones were damn good already.

 

[sanndmann3]

Glad you are up and running! Thanks for the kind words and hope many happy miles on the road or trail for ya!

Incidently, the 1st Explorer p.s. pump I pulled from the junk yard is still running strong on my truck... 35" tires, 4x4x2 box and hydroboost. I've had good luck with the original Ford stuff for sure.

 

[bronconut73]

You were definitely one of the advocates of a used oem pump vs a parts store pump. You were just initially warning me that this pump was possibly only good for mock-up or core but I am happy to say it turns my 35's at a dead stop much better than my Saginaw did, wow, didn't expect that, even though Franko was confident i would be surprised by it.

So happy with this swap.

So happy that you made this so easy for all of us to do by providing these swap kits. I may never have done it if you didn't make it so easy to get started.


Thanks again Buddy!!!

 

[bronconut73]

So....everything is going great.

I vacuumed down my a/c system. Using the Explorer style FS10 compressor. I added the recommended amount of oil (PAG46) .
While adding r134 it never started clicking on and off like I would expect,....
Put in about 29 or so oz.
28.8 is the specified amount for the BC/VA unit.
Clutch never engaged.
Checked the plug for voltage.
Got power at the plug.

Why would the clutch not engage?
Plenty of pressure.
Plenty of refrigerant.

Just a bad clutch?

 

[Attac]

I sure am glad you did this. You will be able to come up and help me do mine when I get it. (Just Dm'd sanndmann tonight to order one).
If you find you have a bad clutch I have a couple of compressors in my shop that I could prob pull the clutch off. I also have an explorer at the range that we use to shoot out of. I can look and see if the AC compressor is still in it
Chuck

 

[bronconut73]

Compressors for these 96 to 01 Explorers are remarkably cheap even for brand new ones from Visteon.

I may just hit up EBay again but thank you as usual Sir.

This one should be fine!
....i keep thinking I have forgotten Some thing....but checked and re-checked....damn it...lol