I have a 1985 Ford Econoline 150 Van that we replaced the alternator on. We didn't take pictures of the belts, and now have no idea how to put the new belts on. None of the parts stores or even the Ford dealership can help.

See picture below. There are a total of 7 pulleys. There is no serpentine belt, just V belts. Need help ASAP, please! We need the van for vacation, but can't go anywhere at the moment. Thanks!

7 Points to attach
Left side of engine
Center of engine
Right size of engine

 

Welcome to the site..

Your pulley diagram and images are actually off.. When ever your describing engine ‘side’ it’s always as if your sitting behind the steering wheel.

So,, A/C and P/S would be on the left/drivers side. Alternator and Smog Pump on the right/passenger side .

As far as setting tensions and belt component positions.. If memory serves..

The power steering belt ran off the crank only and the pump itself swings to set belt tension.
Alternator runs over the water pump and the crank. Alt swings for belt tension.
A/C runs over the crank and idler/tensioner pulley
The alternator I believe (not pictured and you have a surpentine pulley now) Did you remove the old pulley before it was traded as a core?) had a double groove pulley. The alternator belt ran from the alternator over the water pump pulley and around the crank.
They belt furthest out on the alternator pulley ( should be a double grooved) ran from the alternator up to the smog pump. Smog pump swings to set its belts tension.

That said,, an easy way to figure it out is to look at the ‘side view’ of the engine.. Look at the pulley alignments or ‘plane’ they run on. Meaning how the belt pulleys align with each other. Remember that a couple of the belts have to be routed around the fan blade to get them into position..