Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Stinkin' fan belt.....

[TSRAM]

I just changed my serpintine belt for the second time in 10,000 miles and am now ticked off. I put on a new gatorback belt and it keeps walking toward the rear of the engine on the back edge of the a/c compressor. My last belt did this and after noticing it a week later, I chalked it up as my fault as not installing it in the grooves correctly. Now I KNOW this has been on right at least 6 times.

It kinda looks like the alternator could use a shim to bring it out just a 1/8" or so to put it in line better.....

Any input guys????

 

[Thomas]

Take a look at the tensioner, the weak link in the serpentine belt alignment.

 

[Joe Mc]

I've been waiting to share this one with someone as pi_sed as I was when the same thing happened to me on the way home from Yellowstone in '01'. About 500 miles from home heard a chirping during a fuel up. Cut belt off (was new before trip) and placed stock one (kept for spare) back on. Made it home and checked the next day - it crept back toward motor one rib on the A/C compressor again.



I agree the tensioner is a weak link. However, after not being able to find the correct one anywhere but Cummins and paying top $ for it, the belt (new Gatorback) crept back one rib again . Had same observance as you - out of line pulley. Used straight edge (belt removed) from crank to A/C compressor all OK, crank to tensioner - about 1/16" forward at bottom of the pulley or . 020" between straight edge and top of crank pulley.



Here's the punch line . . . install a . 020" feeler gage (or whatever the gage size that fills the gap) between the tensioner and block above the mounting bolt - no more problems . That was 20k ago. Yours may require less thickness or more - after you tighten up tensioner bolt check alignment again.



Let me know if it works for you or PM if you want my work number.



Joe Mc

 

[TSRAM]

Hey Joe. That's some of the input I was looking for. I'm on my way back out now to at least put the old "new" belt back on as I hate to tear up a new $35 belt. Will post back the results.

 

[TSRAM]

I appreciate the tip Joe. It took two shims actually though. The first directly over the bolt, the second was to the left of it if you face the tesioner. At least the friggin' thing is riding true now.

Have read a few old posts that there are some having to replace the tensioner as they wear out. Maybe this will prolong that a little

 

[Joe Mc]

TSRAM,



Glad it helped. As mentioned I replaced the tensioner then figured out the shim deal. So the tensioner wasn't necessarilly the problem. I had less than 90k when all this transpired.



Joe

 

[rashwor]

Happend to me at 180,000 on my

'92. Wore out 3 belts in short order (some have called me stuburn). Replaced the tensioner assembly and the problem was solved. On the bright side, I know what to do when my '99 (135,000+ miles currently) does this a little later. Hard lessons tend to be easily remembered!