diesel pusher belt replacement

[daddyo55]

we own a 2004 Kountry Star diesel pusher #3904 which needs new belts. I wish to do the job myself. Can anyone out there help with any info at all?

[wolfe10]

What CHASSIS, what ENGINE?

[Skip426]

Rear radiator or side ?

Sorry but we're not there beside you seeing what you're seeing , You have to tell us everything.

[daddyo55]

330 hp, cat #3216E.
Freightliner.

[wolfe10]

Call Freightliner with your VIN or look in the owner's manual.


Freightliner 800 385-4357 need VIN.



You will have a separate V belt for the water pump only and a serpentine belt.


If the serpentine belt tensioner is OE/18 years old, replace it at the same time and check bearings on the manual water pump tensioner pulley.

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by daddyo55

330 hp, cat #3216E.
Freightliner.

I'll have to assume rear rad .

Here's a picture of a Freightliner / Cat rear rad with rad removed to show you what your up against .

I'll explain the arrows , when you confirm rear rad.

[daddyo55]

i thank you for all your help. yes it is a rear radiator. i was under the engine this morning and found a way to tighten the loose V belt.
i will be replacing both belts, and auto tensioner when we get home.

[daddyo55]

i don't think the radiator has to be removed.
opinions??

[daddyo55]

BTW. I know what all the arrows are for except the green arrow?

[wolfe10]

Green arrow is for mounting bolt for serpentine belt automatic tensioner. Remove only if replacing the tensioner (a good idea if original).


No, you do not need to remove the radiator.


Two people makes it an easier job-- one from above, one from below.


And proper tension on the small V belt is important for coolant temperature. If it slips, water pump is not turning as it should. Since it is on a manual adjusted, check it occasionally.

[daddyo55]

Thanks to all for their assistance and help.

[Skip426]

Thanks Brett for answering during my absence .

Rear rad ; you will probably find adjusting water pump belt tension easier with the serpentine auto tensioner removed .

When you replace the water pump drive belt , if the pivot and lock bolt are being loosened ; remove them and apply , anti-seize to the threads ; the steel bolts thread into the aluminum timing gear cover and can corrode into the housing , and more that one member has broken off the bolts trying to replace the V belt.

EDIT: The picture also shows a remote grease hose leading to the fan hub bearing , now some years of the engine have the greaseable hub with a zerk hidden behind the belt drive , others have a non-greaseable bearing , good idea , since you so close to find out if the hub bearing is greaseable and give it a few shots . Many posts in Cat Engines about this .

[Dutch Star Don]

As stated, one person from the top and one from the bottom will make it easier. As long as you have to disassemble the top, to access, I would spend the time to thoroughly clean the exterior of the radiator and charge air cooler.

[daddyo55]

lots of good info. thanks to all. we be on our way home today and i'll be attempting belts replacement within a few days. i will keep an eye on this post and will update my progress..