Can a 103 inch serpentine belt work on a 8.1L engine?

[Scooter]

P32 chassis, 2004 Sightseer 27C, 8.1L engine.

Belt was squeaking and took to a WH "breakdown" authorized shop. They tried a 108 inch belt and returned it. They installed a 103 inch belt, #25-061031. Seems to work fine. I later stopped at an authorized WH center and they confirmed the belt and routing was fine.

I am really confused. W0000581, which I think was the original factory belt, crosses to a Gates 108 inch belt. I did not check the old squeaking belt, which was discarded.

Anyone have a 103 inch belt on your WH 8.1?

I sent an email to WH asking this same question a few minutes ago but thought I was ask the august members of this forum, also.

Thanks

[Scooter]

P32 chassis, 2004 Sightseer 27C, 8.1L engine.

Belt was squeaking and took to a WH "breakdown" authorized shop. They tried a 108 inch belt and returned it. They installed a 103 inch belt, #25-061031. Seems to work fine. I later stopped at an authorized WH center and they confirmed the belt and routing was fine.

I am really confused. W0000581, which I think was the original factory belt, crosses to a Gates 108 inch belt. I did not check the old squeaking belt, which was discarded.

Anyone have a 103 inch belt on your WH 8.1?

I sent an email to WH asking this same question a few minutes ago but thought I was ask the august members of this forum, also.

Thanks

[Rocky Larson]

I checked my "Spares" and the WH is a 581 and the generic match is a 108inch (I held them next to each other to make sure) Never had to change one out so I can't help you there.

[Scooter]

UPDATE

Got off the phone with WH tech Jim. 877-246-7731. He advised 103 inch belt is correct.

He agrees W0000581 is a 108 inch belt and says the WH dealer who supplied this to me in '05, as a spare part, gave me the wrong belt.

Now, who out there is also carrying a 108 inch belt in your spare parts box.....which may not fit when the time comes?

Jim could not tell me what unit uses the 108 inch belt. Do you think that it works prior to the 2001 revamp of the 8.1L engine? After 2001, the 103 inch belt applies?

Can anyone out there look at the numbers printed on your serpentine belt, on your rig, and let me know....as well as the year of your rig?

Thanks

[DonavonP]

My 2004 has a W0000581 printed on it.

[roy goble]

I had my belt replaced and they put on a NAPA number061080, which I assume is a 108 inch.

[TandW]

When I gave NAPA the numbers off the oem belt they gave me a Micro-V 25-061031 which I carry as a spare. Good Luck to all!!

[Thudman]

I had my belt replaced on 10/26/06 at 22494 miles (now at 28376). They put on a Gates Micro V K061080 belt. I kept the Gates cardboard wrapping & purchased a spare one (same). I also assume it's a 108 inch, & seems to work ok (note that my WH is a 2003).

To keep my sanity, tomorrow I'm calling WH to confirm the P/N & length.

Thudman

[Thudman]

I called WH Tech Spt and received little to no help. The rep said the belts are measured in millimeters, not inches. True, but packaging info still translates to inches. For example, the WH rep said that 061031 and 061080 are millimeters. Those nums translate to 40.59 and 42.51 inches respectively. And WH Tech Spt has no part numbers, so cannot help w/the serpentine belt. Must contact WH dealer. Called WH dealer Parts Dept & they said with my VIN, the OEM PN is W0000581. I asked how long is the belt. Dunno; no info available on length. Unable to cross reference to after market belt (read: you MUST buy ours at $83.71 + tx).

Called O'Reilly's, where I bought my spare Gates Micro-V K061080 ($36.99 + tx). They cross referenced the OEM W0000581 to Gates Micro V K061080, WHICH IS A 108 INCH BELT!!! (shouting intended). When/if I must use my spare, I have no idea if it will fit/work.

My purpose here is to PLEAD with WH to read this stuff and straighten it out. It's just another irritant to drive one away from WH, IMHO. There is an answer: It's called Customer Service. A little will go a long way.

Thudman

[1995Brave]

Had the same problem with a 99 Dodge van. Belt was getting worn and needed a new one, went to local Auto Parts store and they gave me a Gates belt, put it on and noticed the tensioner was maxed out, started the van and the belt just squealed. Took it off and compared belts and the gates belt was about an inch to inch and a half longer. Took the belt back and tried every Auto parts store (including NAPA) to get the correct belt, no one could match up the belt. Went to the dealer with old belt and they came back with a Mopar belt of the correct size. I think Gates and other after market belt manufactures just cross reference their belts to the closest size they have to replace manufacturers belts weather it's too long or too short.

[hamguy]

Hi Thudman,

Have you considered calling WH? I have had a couple issues and found their phone Cust. Svc. to be very helpful.