Idler Pulley

[Dutch & Di]

In the last several issues of TDR, we've noticed a rise in comments, questions or problems regarding the Dodge Idler Pulley. In the next issue of TDR [coming out in May] there will be a press release on our new product replacement pulley. If you have any questions or would like an advance copy of this release, please call Dutch or Diana anytime at 941-416-0918 or e-mail us at -- email address removed --.



Edited by TDR Admin (March 1, 2004)



FYI, yes Plug It Right is a vendor. Here is a link to Plug It Right for those who are interested: http://www.plugitright.com



Robin

TDR Admin

 

[JR2]

Good to know but at least one guy already has one out there already...



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Practical Solutions Diesel



Good luck and welcome to the TDR.

 

[Thomas]

What about an improved belt tensioner? The vast majority of the problems that have been posted on this board involving the belt tensioner/idler pulley have not been resolved by replacing the OEM plastic pulley with a metal pulley. My read of problems involving the belt tensioner/idler pulley is that it is almost always an alignment issue with the belt tensioner.

 

[John]

True enough JR2! It just so happens I invested in one of those trick pieces for my Ram. A VERY high quality part and Practical Solutions is a great place to deal with!



Not trying to hijack this thread... I knew someone would point out the PS Heavy-Duty Idler... I just had to expound on it.

 

[juicedcummins]

I just went though this and was able to get a exact copy of the oem plastic pulley right down to the part # on it. The pulley after a couple of days made the same noise as the original. The only cure was to replace the tensioner unit and pulley.

 

[Cooker]

Dirrgang,

Are you a vendor?

 

[jrobinson2]

They have a web site: Plug it right

It looks like a replacement plastic pulley, You can also get a HD metal pulley from John Deere for about the same price as the Practical solutions pulley. I agree that the tensioner is a more common source of problems, I have several bad tensioners with good pulleys under my bench.

 

[jboehm]

jrobinson2, do you have more info on the JD part # and description? Might be an alternative here with a JD dealer just down the road!

 

[jrobinson2]

Its the tensioner pulley on a 7800 tractor, the part # is RE51281, the bearings are replaceable, NTN#6203LLB. The last time I checked, my price on the pulley was about the same as PS, list price is higher. The same pulley is used in many applications and should be a stock item in most stores.

Jared

 

[jrobinson2]

I noticed that the Plug it right plastic replacement pulley is 22. 00 less than the other options mentioned and would probably outlast a used tensioner assembly, I think its probably the better choice if the pulley bearings are bad but the tensioner still has some life left

Jared

 

[Borush]

Originally posted by Thomas

What about an improved belt tensioner? The vast majority of the problems that have been posted on this board involving the belt tensioner/idler pulley have not been resolved by replacing the OEM plastic pulley with a metal pulley. My read of problems involving the belt tensioner/idler pulley is that it is almost always an alignment issue with the belt tensioner.

The tensioner itself is what got my ol '93. It took out the water pump seal also. Lucky it was still under warranty, but that has been the only repair on that engine with the exception of general maintenance.



For those prices, it might just be worth it to keep a spare pulley in the tool box.



Boyd.