Belts and hoses

[RichJ]

So I contacted my local Ford /Lincoln dealer and he informed me that Ford no longer makes belts and hoses these are unobtainium ;-(
is this the case , or a lazy dealer?

Thanks
Rich

still waiting for the weather to break

[BillyL]

Lazy dealer. I order most of my parts online. Check on Amazon and/or Rockauto. I usually find the OEM Motorcraft parts I need and at a lower cost than the "stealerships" If you have to go with aftermarket parts, I recommend checking with Napa Auto parts first. Whatever way you go, stay away from Dorman brand parts even if they are cheaper as they are junk that will not last.

[Elky64]

belts and hoses are normally purchased in the aftermarket. IE Auto parts stores. Gates, Dayco and Goodyear are normally found at NAPA, Autozone, Advanced Auto, etc.etc.as well as Big box and Mail order/ on-line store. General practice in the auto industry,at dealerships, has been to lose interest after 10-15 years. There are exceptions in hobby type vehicles, BMW motorcycles come to mind where many dealers stock parts back 30 or more years.
If the parts guy at the dealer you went to was sharp, he could have explained the situation to you and offered to tpick the part up locally and have for you in a few hours. He could have made a buck and you wouldn't have to start searching.
IMHO

[Gobird]

Last year I took my 02 to the dealership and said replace all hoses and belt on the car. They replace all but said they could not find the lower heater hose. This dealer will not use after market parts only Ford parts.

[RichJ]

Thanks,I see Rock auto lists just about each hose, without crawling around underneath is there an easy way to tell if mine has an oil cooler? VIN number?

Rich

oh do I need to worry about the brake fluid?

[Gobird]

As far as I know the 02's were the only ones with an oil cooler.

[RichJ]

As far as I know the 02's were the only ones with an oil cooler.

Thanks
Rich

[sauernote]

I believe that the 2002s were the only year without an oil cooler. That's why they only take 6.5 quarts when changing the oil.

[Gobird]

I believe that the 2002s were the only year without an oil cooler. That's why they only take 6.5 quarts when changing the oil.

It's the other way around. for years I changed my own oil and it took 6.5 qts. of oil. newer years took 6 qts of oil.

[BillyL]

I also strongly suggest investing in a Ford shop manual for your year model bird. They sometimes come up for sell on the forum here, but more often on EBAY. I keep mine in the trunk of the car for ready reference. I also place it on the passenger seat when I do take it to the shop when I need work done I cannot do for myself.

[sauernote]

I stand corrected. The 2002 takes only 6 quarts of oil due to its lack of an oil cooler.

[yelobird2002]

Our T-Bird still still has factory hoses & belts after 21 and a half years and 23,000 something miles.

[BillyL]

Good for you, but you must know you are on borrowed time. It is not the miles but the age.