Serpintine Belts

[SCOTTY088]

I see several different manufacturers and price ranges, what are your thoughts on the most durable and longest lasting belts on the market. My truck vin # is on the recall list for T-51 and would like to have a new belt for replacement. Thanks for your expert feedback. Scotty

 

[Cummins12V98]

I used to buy the GoodYear Gatorback and have great life with them.

 

[Wayne M.]

Gates Green belt- Incredible.

 

[rynosback]

I used to buy the GoodYear Gatorback and have great life with them.

WOW, I agree with this guy again..

 

[Newsa]

With T51, they inspect the belt and replace if it appears to be worn?

Or maybe I'm wrong?

 

[Cummins12V98]

WOW, I agree with this guy again..

"This guy" HAAAA

 

[gsbrockman]

Nothing wrong with the OEM belt......mine went to 229k miles, and looked good when I replaced it.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Gates Green belt- Incredible.

And mine stopped that CHURP when you shut it off

SORRY I DONT HAVE A 4TH GEN IF IT MAKES A DIFF

 

[LandShark]

My thoughts are that it's a waste of money to carry a spare belt, for several reasons: First, belts on these truck typically last well over 150,000 miles. Storing a new belt for several years means you may be putting on a old belt (think tires). Belts are readily available at any auto parts place in the country, so pick up a fresh belt when you need one. Most of the time when you have a premature belt failure, you will be needing more that just a belt: water pump, tensioner, AC pump, alternator, etc.

 

[Wayne M.]

Excellent reasoning, Land Shark.

 

[Dick Langendorff]

My 2004 turned 252,000 miles last week. Still the original belt.

 

[Stab]

just a heads up for you dual alternator guys: The serp belt is very difficult to find at the usual auto parts stores AND dealers. I special ordered one from Carquest to have on board. Landshark has good points but, if I deem it necessary, I'll replace a new unused belt every few years!

 

[jacknife]

I always keep my old one but I change them out about every year and a half. The belts wear ever so slightly. and cause slippage on the alternator you cannot hear . This will reduce your Alt out put slightly and can lead to shorter Alt life. Besides when out in the middle of nowhere and you lose a belt for whatever reason you just may need that spare . I also carry a belt diagram with me just in case I can't hook up to the internet with my phone . Also a spare water pump. Just lessons learned the hard way thru 35 yrs of truckin. Sometimes the only one to turn to is you

 

[BigPapa]

Definitely not a 4th Gen, but my '95 12V has had two belts on it in it's 500K mile life, the original and a Gates HD "Green" belt that I put on it "just because" when I swapped the engine into the '98 at 325K miles. Never had any charging issues, either, due to belt wear.

 

[Weston]

I use the Gates green, keep spare using wife's vacuum sealer to package in. Weston, Reno, NV