Changing the Big Serp Belt

[sonorakitch]

Hi Scott,



Yes, I think I may have paid $28. 00. Sorry about that, but it was quite a while ago. I have to tell you though, I still don't have any chirps, and it's been about 18,000 and around 6 months ago.



I am sure the Gatorback is a great belt too.



~Chris

 

[JAK]

I think the OEM serp belt is about as high in quality as the OEM everything else. I changed mine at 35k and it didn't look like it would have made it to 40k. I'm not sure it's even doing me any good to carry it as a spare. It had a crack accross it that went right to the backing fabric.

 

[RMHanes]

Looked around the area here for the Goodyear belt. Was informed that Goodyear, as far as belts are concerned, was purchased by GM. Has anyone heard the same? If Goodyear belts are not available, what would be another good brand? Was using Gates products with good results over the years.



Saw a cut in the belt that ran across the full width of the belt. Hence the reason for wanting to change it out.



When you take the old belt off, do you move the pulley from the top or crawl underneath and do it from there. People at work think that it would be better from the bottom vs the top. Any ideas on which is better? Had a few choice words when did it from the top.

 

[Joe G.]

From the top. This job is easy if you have three hands. Two to manipulate the belt and one to hold the idler pulley tension. It's a little awkward by yourself, but that's the way I do it. I don't see how you would do it from the bottom since the engine is kind of tall and the radiator shroud is in the way.

 

[illflem]

I use a two foot piece of pipe for a cheater bar on a 3/8" ratchet, that way your elbow can take the place of a third hand. I thread the belt on all the grooved pulleys first making sure the belt is riding right then move the tensioner and slip the belt onto the smooth idler. Had plenty of practice performing 22 KDP fixes.

 

[Turbo Thom]

I don't know what belt y'all are talking about. If its that rubber one on the fan, I got 213K on the same one. Same on the rear brakes. I bought a new belt, now it's under the rear seat in the way. Oh well, I carry insurance so why not a belt.



When the mind gets old all those turns get really gets confusing.



... Preston

 

[nibranam]

I picked one up at checker auto parts here in Phoenix for my 1997 CTD. I was surprised that they had them. It looked similar to my OEM belt and seemed to wear well. I had been using Checker only for oil because they also recycle the old oil. Sure wish they would carry the fleetguard filters.