Community Forums

osgoor · 05-01-2016, 09:08 AM

Has anyone changed the engine belt? I am in a 2005 Itasca Suncruiser with the Chevy Vortec 8.1 engine. It looks worn and is starting to squeal. Also, I believe there are two different length belts a 103" and a 108". How do I determine which one I need?

Thanks

Arch Hoagland · 05-01-2016, 09:49 AM

Have had my belt replaced twice in 80,000 miles and the idler pulley replaced once all at the Workhorse dealer.

The idler/tension bearing gets noisy on these engines so I suggest a new one.

Can't tell you the size although if you remove it you could measure it.

I never had one break, replaced them as a preventive maintenance item.

osgoor · 05-01-2016, 02:49 PM

What was the cost to replace the belt. Is this something a shade tree mechanic could do?

PJStough · 05-01-2016, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by osgoor

What was the cost to replace the belt. Is this something a shade tree mechanic could do?

The belt should be about $50.00. It is not a bad job, especially if you have two people. One up above with the dog house off, and one underneath.

Arch Hoagland · 05-01-2016, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by osgoor

What was the cost to replace the belt. Is this something a shade tree mechanic could do?

As PJStough said about $50 for the belt. I had mine done at the same time when I had all the hoses replaced as well as the coolant.

Lots of guys on here change their own belt so you could probably do it.

mgscott4 · 05-01-2016, 07:10 PM

I wrote this last year and changed my belt and pulleys on my W20 Chassis.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f22/8-1l-...ys-249407.html

If the sixth VIN number is a "3" OR a "5" then you have a P32 chassis. If the sixth number is a "6", then you have a W- series chassis.

P32 chassis = 103" belt
W Chassis= 108" belt

tedgard01 · 05-01-2016, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by osgoor

What was the cost to replace the belt. Is this something a shade tree mechanic could do?

I can tell you that the cost of not replacing it is far more costly...

My '05 Workhorse serpentine belt broke when I was on a trip. It just happened to break on a Friday night, in the rain, nothing open... What a pain... I had to be towed, after dropping the drive shaft, and leave it at the repair shop until Monday.

When the belt broke, it wrapped around the fly pulley so tight it had to be cut out with a box cutter... It broke the fan housing.... When the Workhorse shop replaced it I had them get a second one as a spare. The shop showed me how to replace it myself. It is not hard, but you should search online for the belt path around the pulleys and print it off. Also, the trick is to loosen the tensioner pulley to allow you to easily route the belt over the pulleys without much difficulty. Two people makes it easier, but you can do it with one person if needed.

Mudfrog · 05-01-2016, 10:28 PM

I replaced the serpentine belt on our Itasca Sunova last year. Installed it myself but it wasn't as easy as your standard automobile. Was under the rig, then on top through the doghouse, then back under, back on top feeling my way through the process. My main concern was making sure the belt was positioned on each pulley just right and that would have been easier with two people.

The belt i used was the 103 inch Gates K061031, this for my P32 chassis. A quick glance on the net shows them well under $50.

Davel · 05-01-2016, 10:46 PM

I replaced mine with a Goodyear Gatorback belt per recommendations here. I had room to do it from above. Replacing the pulley and having a spare isn't a bad idea either.

Good luck,
Dave

LETMGROW · 05-09-2016, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by osgoor

Has anyone changed the engine belt? I am in a 2005 Itasca Suncruiser with the Chevy Vortec 8.1 engine. It looks worn and is starting to squeal. Also, I believe there are two different length belts a 103" and a 108". How do I determine which one I need?

Thanks

The best way is to look at the belt and see if there is a number on it. If so it can be crossed over at any parts store. If not it might be best to buy both belts, remove the belt on the MH now and match it up to the new belt then return the belt you didn't use. This could save a trip or two chasing after parts.
You might have to bump the starter a few times to get the belt into position to see the number. Of course it may be worn off by now also.
If there is no decal under the hood with the belt routing on it you would be well advised to make a sketch of it yourself. This belt replacement is not difficult but the belt has to be routed right or you will have fits.
Lynn

tomwalt · 05-10-2016, 12:23 PM

Just had a belt start to come apart while on a trip. I have the 7.4, but the lesson is the same - check the tensioner for decent spring pull.
Story: My Belt was 5 years old. I checked the hoses/belt prior to leaving and it looked new. 500 miles into the trip I heard it coming apart and pulled over in the shade.
I have CoachNet so I called them; they sent a mobile mechanic who pulled the old belt and checked bearings/pulleys. He determined the belt failure was due to weak Tensioner spring (tensioner was original and 17 years old). He went and got the parts from CarQuest, was back shortly and replaced belt and tensioner. My cost was $60 for both parts and a $20 tip for the mechanic - CoachNet paid for the service call.
Mechanic did the under the hood replacement work in about 10 minutes with a couple open end wrenches. Like another post stated - there was old belt parts wrapped around pulleys that needed cut out.