Archived Tidbit of useful knowledge (spare belt)

[waltk]

Whether your truck has air conditioning or not, you should carry a spare *NON* a/c belt, since this will install just fine (using the proper routing for non-a/c) and can be used to by-pass a failed/seized/dead compressor, as well as simply providing emergency belt replacement.



Oo.



Walt K.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

good tip. you got a length for us?

 

[CTait]

Thanks for the tip Walt. Are there any other spares that you carry? I am new to diesels and like to travel on the very remote Arizona strip. I have to rely on myself for everything so any help would be appreciated.

 

[GerryDrake]

I've got just over 16K on my truck and figure when I get to about 20K I will get a new serpentine belt and put it on, stowing the current one under the back seat. I have done this on several vehicles since serpentines became common, and it has bailed me out twice so far. I suspect, but will investigate when the time comes, that with the exhaust brake and vacuum pump, it is a different belt than the original... The other thing to carry is the right size socket and a fair length handle to hold back the tensioner.

 

[mgonske]

Originally posted by GerryDrake

... I suspect, but will investigate when the time comes, that with the exhaust brake and vacuum pump, it is a different belt than the original...

When I had my Jake installed, they gave me back the original belt, since it was replaced with a new one of a different length that was included with the exhaust brake kit.



I only recently got around to purchasing a spare of the proper length to fit with the vacuum pump, and the sticker shock was... shocking (something on the order of $80 for a belt!):--)

 

[waltk]

addendum --



the normal (no additional accesories) belt specs are:



non-a/c -- 8-rib, 65. 5 inches

a/c -- 8-rib, 81 inches



(according to Dayco catalog)



Walt K.

 

[waltk]

ooooops... addendum to my addendum -- I do not know whether my suggestion and follow-up comment are applicable to Generation3... I know they are good for 1989-2002 inclusive.



Walt K.

 

[Joe G.]

Has anyone ever reported an AC failure so that the pully would not turn? I carry an extra belt, but it's the correct belt for the engine with AC. I don't think the odds of this type of failure are high enough to justify buying a non-AC belt.

 

[waltk]

Originally posted by Joe G.

Has anyone ever reported an AC failure so that the pully would not turn? I carry an extra belt, but it's the correct belt for the engine with AC. I don't think the odds of this type of failure are high enough to justify buying a non-AC belt.

actually, yes, last week a co-worker with 1999 truck had this experience... this was the second such event I have personal knowledge of (the first was not a CTD, but was a Chrysler-product with similar/same compressor mechanical layout). So... . given the universality of belt and the demonstrated failure mode, I'd still recommend playing safe and using the non-a/c belt as the backup; since if belt fails, you will get home and if compressor fails you still will get home.



Walt K.

 

[Joe G.]

The point is that this is a rare failure. Lots of other things are more likely to fail. Do we carry spares for all that stuff? I carry a fuel filter and a spare belt. So far, in 230 K miles, I have not needed either one. The only failure I had have that caused me to get a tow truck was a flex plate.

 

[waltk]

Joe, we can debate this endlessly based on probabilities, the fact remains, I suggest carrying a non-a/c belt simply because it is a unversal-replacement regardless of whether a/c-equipped or not... plus, it *WILL* get you back underway in the admittedly rare, but possible, compressor siezure. It is cheap insurance and, as I said universal (1989-2002, not sure about Gen3).



Walt K.

 

[Roverboy]

I just had this happen to my truck a week ago Sunday. 99 1 ton 53000 miles. Stopped at an Autozone in Appleton WI. They had the short belt, I think it is 64. 5" long 8 rib. My compressor is a Sanden, I'm not sure what happened to it, the pulley is not straight and the compressor is seized tight but I didn't lose the R134a. I'm glad I have the certification and tools available to me to fix it my self.

I won't be without a spare short belt from now on.

 

[cumminspwr01]

The part number for a belt with a/c from dayco is 5080810 Thats for a 2001.

 

[Mick2500]

Originally posted by mgonske



I only recently got around to purchasing a spare of the proper length to fit with the vacuum pump, and the sticker shock was... shocking (something on the order of $80 for a belt!):--)

Mark,

I bought my spare belts here:

http://www.pickproparts.com and my Original length Gatorback was $25. The Gatorback P/N 4080810



Mick

 

[bmoeller]

Originally posted by Joe G.

Has anyone ever reported an AC failure so that the pully would not turn?

On my last gasser Ford, the pulley still turned for the A/C, but the bearings in the clutch shelled out in the McDonalds drive thru. Heck off a racket. Glad it was the front V- belt. Just yanked it off.

 

[LSchlekau]

I used to carry old pantyhose and stockings to use in an emergency loss of fan belt. Tied pretty tight, they'd get you to the next station after you threw a belt. Kept the water pump going. Never had to do it myself, thankfully, but knew someone who did. Stopped when serpentines came in, figure the old nylons wouldn't work anymore under such a load.



As my truck ages, I guess I'll carry a spare, like I did for my old '93 Suburban- needed it more than once! 20,000 mile idea sounds good to me.