Belt tensioner 2014 Ram

[Dodger2014]

Installed new belt today and have a question/concern I guess. I got the old belt off when I took pressure off the tensioner. New belt is correct and I routed it correctly but man the tensioner does not move far enough but to barely get the belt back over the alternator pulley! I mean this thing is tight! Replaced many belts in my time and there was always more than enough to get plenty of clearance over the pulleys when unloading the tensioner. Truck has 39k and was thinking it could bad. What brand do they use on these trucks? Mine is a daystar I believe. I think this is why water pumps fail early because too much tension or belt too short.......

 

[Shadrach]

The Cummins belt tensioner is actually made by Dayco. It will have the Cummins part number on it as well as the name Dayco. There is only one choice - it has been the same p/n since 2003. The Cummins p/n is 3947574. Not sure why the belt won't go on tho.
David

 

[Dodger2014]

Belt went on but very tight over pulley. It seems too tight but the old one was tight coming off. Had to replace water pump so new belt. Using old belt for spare. Don't remember the 7.3 being this tight getting belt on. It seems the belt being this tight would put one hell of a load on the water pump bearing. My original pump failed at 39k!

 

[gsbrockman]

My original pump failed at 39k!

I take it you replaced the water pump yourself???

 

[sag2]

Take the old belt in and have them match it up to the next longer belt.

 

[JR]

Is the tensioner physically maxed out on travel? There is quite a bit of tension on them especially if your not using something with enough leverage to move the tensioner.

 

[Dodger2014]

I changed water pump myself. Pretty straight forward and easy. I used a long handle 1/2 inch ratchet to pry the tensioner over. I had to pry tensioner all the way to max travel to get belt to go on pulley. When I released the tensioner it may have tightened about 1/4-1/2 inch. I matched new belt to old and same size. May look into getting a little longer belt. Anyone done this?

 

[Bob4x4]

Do not use a longer belt.What you saw is normal.I use a 24" breaker bar to make it quick and easy from under the truck.Hint the square on the breaker bar is at a 45 not 90 like most breaker bars

 

[Dodger2014]

Do not use a longer belt.What you saw is normal.I use a 24" breaker bar to make it quick and easy from under the truck.Hint the square on the breaker bar is at a 45 not 90 like most breaker bars

Thanks Bob. If this is normal then I feel better about it. Where did you find the breaker with the 1/2 drive clocked at 45? Or did you make it?

 

[gsbrockman]

I changed water pump myself. Pretty straight forward and easy.

Is your truck out of warranty already???

 

[Bob4x4]

Thanks Bob. If this is normal then I feel better about it. Where did you find the breaker with the 1/2 drive clocked at 45? Or did you make it?

It is a Snap on,they can supply just the 45 if you already have a snap on with a 90.A ratchet just is not as easy to get in that tight space

 

[seafish]

Harbor Freight also sells a cheap, adjustable version that I have used on tensioners. Emphasis on the CHEAP, but it DOES work.

http://www.harborfreight.com/serpentine-belt-tool-kit-66344.html

 

[Dodger2014]

Is your truck out of warranty already???

They said the water pump would still be covered to 60k when I went to dealer for Scr fix. Was on side of the road and limped in to a parts store. Had to do it quick was on a schedule for work.

 

[gsbrockman]

They said the water pump would still be covered to 60k when I went to dealer for Scr fix. Was on side of the road and limped in to a parts store. Had to do it quick was on a schedule for work.

It's actually covered through the 100k Cummins warranty. I paid for my water pump replacement (a dealership in Huntsville, AL did not have one in stock, so I went with a Murray Temperature Control unit from Pep Boys) and they reimbursed me for tow charge, pump, coolant, and labor.

 

[truckmen]

It's actually covered through the 100k Cummins warranty. I paid for my water pump replacement (a dealership in Huntsville, AL did not have one in stock, so I went with a Murray Temperature Control unit from Pep Boys) and they reimbursed me for tow charge, pump, coolant, and labor.

After your posts, I went and picked up a Murray Temperature Controlled one as well a few months ago.
It's among my critical spares collection I carry in my bed storage box. I am little by little buying parts that I may need.

 

[gsbrockman]

After your posts, I went and picked up a Murray Temperature Controlled one as well a few months ago.
It's among my critical spares collection I carry in my bed storage box. I am little by little buying parts that I may need.

Those plastic impellers break easily......be sure it is WELL protected.

 

[truckmen]

Those plastic impellers break easily......be sure it is WELL protected.

Yes, I remember your warning me initially so I packed it very carefully. Thanks again.