Community Forums

rschreifels · 07-16-2019, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KiteSquid

Gates gives away a special little plastic tool to test serpentine belts to see if they're worn.

For future diagnostics, I went to the Gates web site and requested a free gauge be sent to me; thanks!

https://www.gates.com/us/en/industri...elt-wear-gauge

Arch Hoagland · 07-16-2019, 11:33 PM

What engine do you have?

rschreifels · 07-17-2019, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

What engine do you have?

Cummins 5.9

CountryB · 07-17-2019, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rschreifels

For future diagnostics, I went to the Gates web site and requested a free gauge be sent to me; thanks!

https://www.gates.com/us/en/industri...elt-wear-gauge

Thanks for the link. I wonder what this guage will be (can't be much for the price). I requested one.

I'm not sure what a "wear gauge" looks like (must measure rib depth), but I use this belt tension gauge (and highly recommend it to any one that has a manual tensioner)

RobRoy · 07-17-2019, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountryB

Thanks for the link. I wonder what this guage will be (can't be much for the price). I requested one.

I'm not sure what a "wear gauge" looks like (must measure rib depth), but I use this belt tension gauge (and highly recommend it to any one that has a manual tensioner)

Yes

https://www.autocarevideo.com/video/...lt-wear-gauge/

rschreifels · 07-17-2019, 09:06 PM

UPDATE:

I should have done this before posting my problem, but it's a bit of a pain to clean out the closet and open up the hatches (lazy)

I opened up the engine bay and yes, I do have a serpentine belt with a tensioner (as I remembered), but I also have a single V belt for the AC (I forgot that part). And the belt is loose

There still may have been some dust on it that could have made the squeal, but I think the main problem is the loose belt.

The good part is it's likely the problem and an easy/free fix!

As far as how the Gates serpentine gauge works, it looks like you just try to torque against the belt groves and if it rotates a bit, the belt is worn. It testing how much of the small Vs on the belt are worn down.

windsorbill · 07-17-2019, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rschreifels

UPDATE:

I should have done this before posting my problem, but it's a bit of a pain to clean out the closet and open up the hatches (lazy)

I opened up the engine bay and yes, I do have a serpentine belt with a tensioner (as I remembered), but I also have a single V belt for the AC (I forgot that part). And the belt is loose

There still may have been some dust on it that could have made the squeal, but I think the main problem is the loose belt.

The good part is it's likely the problem and an easy/free fix!

As far as how the Gates serpentine gauge works, it looks like you just try to torque against the belt groves and if it rotates a bit, the belt is worn. It testing how much of the small Vs on the belt are worn down.

That's the same set up as mine. tighten the belt using the AC compressor. However, the edges appear frayed on your belt. I'd consider replacing it now.

RobRoy · 07-18-2019, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by windsorbill

That's the same set up as mine. tighten the belt using the AC compressor. However, the edges appear frayed on your belt. I'd consider replacing it now.

Good Eye Bill

....and just to make things a bit more confusing ......... I would pay very close attention to the fact that that belt is even the correct width belt ...that belt looks pretty deep in those pulleys ......not saying it's wrong ....but as we know... v-belts drive from the sides. Might just be the angle from back here in the cheap seats

Happy Trails

USAF Wings · 07-18-2019, 11:50 AM

Your A/C belt looks like mine on our ISB 5.9. Like others have noted your belt looks like it is about to fail. If you decide to install a new one, it is a simple job if you can work the new belt over the fan. If you can't because the belt is too short the job is much harder but it can be done because I had to do it. If you or anyone else following this topic wants to know how it can be done i'll be glad to post it.

By the way my belt is 3/8 width.

Letsgoagain · 08-26-2019, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USAF Wings

Your A/C belt looks like mine on our ISB 5.9. Like others have noted your belt looks like it is about to fail. If you decide to install a new one, it is a simple job if you can work the new belt over the fan. If you can't because the belt is too short the job is much harder but it can be done because I had to do it. If you or anyone else following this topic wants to know how it can be done i'll be glad to post it.

By the way my belt is 3/8 width.

Just found this post. Getting ready to change my air conditioner and serpentine belt. Even though I have a ISC 330 engine it got me to thinking maybe the air conditioner belt might be the hard one to removed and replace.
I'm interested in how you did it.

USAF Wings · 08-27-2019, 08:12 AM

Here is how it can be done. If the A/C belt can be worked over the engine fan one blade a time, you got it made. Easy job.

My A/C belt was too short to do that. You need about 5 or 6 inches between the radiator and fan hub for this system to work. Loosen the adjustment bolt on the A/C compressor and rotate the compressor toward the engine enough to remove the belt. Leave the belt hanging for now.

Loosen the four bolts on the front of the fan which hold the fan, spacers, and serpentine pulley in place. Loosen the bolts only about one or two revolutions each. Remove one of the bolts and take it to your favorite hardware store and buy four bolts, same diameter and thread about 1/2 or one inch longer. They will be metric.

Remove one bolt from the fan and insert the new longer bolt leaving about 1/2 inch head space. Repeat for the other three bolts, one at a time. Make sure you keep the fan, spacers and serpentine pulley lined up and together, loose but together and inline.

Next move the spacers and fan forward about 1/2 inch. Back out one bolt enough to insert the old belt behind the bolt you just backed out. Screw the bolt back in. Repeat the process, one bolt at a time for the other three. Insert the new belt one bolt ant a time. Slide the fan and spacers back toward the engine and remove one long bolt and insert the original bolt back in. Repeat for each bolt one at a time.

Each bolt has a flat washer. The washer may stick to the hub so be aware and if they don't come off with the bolt remove them by hand. They need to be installed when you reinstall the original bolts.

The fan is a composite material and relative soft. I used locktite and torqued them to 27 lbs I think. Just a guess and feel on my part. Maybe someone can chime in with the correct torque.

Hope you can understand the process. If you have any questions i'll be glad to try and answer them. Good luck.

CountryB · 08-27-2019, 08:19 AM

That's a great method Ted.
No need to muscle that heavy fan around.

Letsgoagain · 08-27-2019, 11:45 AM

USAF Wings,
Okay I'm thinking through your description of how to do this.
The fan and spacers screw into the pulley with the four bolts. By creating the separation between the fan, spacers and pulley gives you the space to remove and install the belt one bolt at a time. Is that correct?
I'm not at the motorhome right now to look at it but I will later today or in morning when it cools off.
First of all thats pretty smart figuring out how to to it that way. Second I think getting to the bolts will be all by feel but doable. I can't see them from the top without a mirror and can't access or reach them from the bottom.
Third I can't believe Roadmaster, Holiday Rambler made a motorhome where you have to go through this just to change belts. I know its a rear radiator but come on.

Thank You for posting this. I probably would have gotten the top A/C belt loose but once I saw that the belt wouldn't go over the fan blades would have put it back together and paid someone to do it.
Really appreciate your help.

USAF Wings · 08-27-2019, 01:25 PM

Yes, just push the belt behind each bolt as you back it out and it will be free after the last bolt.

It is as you say working by feel in front of the fan. It is not bad and you will get the hang of it quickly.

Another hint, as you loosen the bolts you are also loosening the serpentine belt pulley. It will tilt form the pressure of the tensioner. So if you can release the tension by removing the belt off the tensioner or a another pulley do so. If you are going to replace the serpentine belt at this time, work it off and the new one on by going over the fan before you install the new A/C belt.
It's all good, have fun.