8.1 Radiator hoses/Fan belt R&R

Max Hubrich · 09-02-2009, 03:57 PM

Just finished changing out radiator hoses (upper and lower) and the "Fan" belt.

My Motor home is an '02 Newmar MountainAire '37, (Chevy 8.1 gas). Belt and hoses were original equipment.

Lets start with the hoses---

I bought two Gates hoses and four clamps:

1- Upper #21750
2- Lower #22425

3- One gallon Dex-cool
About $73

The removal of the hoses was straightforth. I collected the anti-freeze in a bucket, by removing the lower hose to the radiator first, for re-use since I had just recently replaced it.

The two hose connections on the radiator came off easily. The two hose connections on the engine had to be cut since they had been "heatsoaked" during normal operations.

Both original hoses appeared to be in good condition.

Getting to the upper hose on the radiator (drivers side) was a challenge.
I had to squeeze between the Driver's side wheel and the frame, in a sitting position (facing forward)---(I had removed the fan belt so I coudn't start the engine to use the power steering to turn the wheel to the left

).

All the fluid came out clean, no rust or debris of any kind. I use Prestone Dex-cool. I had to add about one gallon of anti-freeze mix at completion.

I used a paint strainer in a funnel when I refilled the system

Now I'll discuss the Fan belt removal and replacement.

Here are pictures of the tools I used to remove the fan belt ----and the old belt--- 3/8" drive ratchet, piece of pipe and a flashlight.

Ratchet in place in the tensioner (looking up from the ground). I used the piece of pipe for leverage-- move it toward the passenger's side, then slip the belt off the pulley.

Now you can remove the belt without "threading" it off the waterpump/fan assembly. Just remove it off the pulleys on either side and it will fall out the bottom. You can reinstall the new one in the same manner. If you can find a helper for the re-install it will help immensely. They can hold the belt on the pulleys while the tensioner is relaxed to slip the new belt over it. Please go to Oemy's site for a diagram of the belt threading sequence.

There has been some talk here on the forum concerning the correct length of the belt. I took the old one to the parts store and asked them to measure it for me. They took out a 12' tape measure and started to go around the outer side of the belt. I also did this myself. The owner of the store told me that the old way of measuring belt length-- on a sliding arc thing, went out years ago-- oh well.

Here is how I measured it--- Its' a bit hard to see the silver sharpie mark I made-- Hold the tape measure on the mark and move all the way around the belt--Let go and re-pinch the tape as you progress and move on to the same mark.

I read 108-5/16". It's a 108" belt. Mine is stretched and wore out.

Here is what my old belt looked like--- ugh

Now I'm looking for the Goodyear Gatorback replacement belt because of many very favorable reports on the elimination of the "chirping" issue. A member suggested AutoZone. I got on line and called the closest one to me-- I'm in coastal Maine. They ordered one and had it the next day.

1- Goodyear "Gatorback" - # 4061080

$35
plus an 80 mile round trip ride

The new belt measured 108"-- exactly--

That's about it folks--- I ran it for 30 minutes and no chirping yet--

Topped off the coolant and I'm almost ready to hit the road in a month or so. I'll flush and bleed the brakes (using Oemy's self bleeders) before we start the ride home to NC, and maybe California -- We enjoy stopping at the Mohegan Sun Casino (in Connecticut) for a few days-- They have a large paved RV lot (no hookups or dump).

We have been sitting here in Maine since mid- May.

Thanks to my "Bride" Cindy for her help

---

Cheers all,