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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Green99 on September 15, 2018, 12:06:16 pm

Title: Idler pulley Part numbers
Post by: Green99 on September 15, 2018, 12:06:16 pm
Would anyone have the part numbers for the idler pulleys for a 99 model 8.3?
Are they available aftermarket?  Has anyone had experience with these aftermarket pulleys?
Normally I would go to Cummins, but I figured the idler for Hyd. pump didn't come from Cummins, or least not with the engine.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Idler pulley Part numbers
Post by: John44 on September 15, 2018, 12:13:39 pm
Assuming yours are the same as a 96,it's a Gates 38504,both are the same,got mine on Amazon.If it has any bounce while
running might as well get 2.
Title: Re: Idler pulley Part numbers
Post by: Green99 on September 15, 2018, 12:21:50 pm
 John,
Thanks. I have one that's noisey on start up, figured I would change them both since they are the same age.
Title: Re: Idler pulley Part numbers
Post by: Don & Tys on September 15, 2018, 12:25:15 pm
Starting with the ISC's in 99', there are two different idler pulleys. The lower one runs on the outside of the belt (easy belt change), and the upper one runs on the inside of the belt (makes it a bear to change the belt or idler pulley!!!). Unfortunately, I don't have the part numbers handy right now, but if I find them I will post in this thread.
Don
Edit: The the primary (maybe the only) difference between the idler pulleys is that the one that runs on the inside of the belt has a ribbed idler while the one that runs on the outside of the belt is smooth.
Would anyone have the part numbers for the idler pulleys for a 99 model 8.3?
Are they available aftermarket?  Has anyone had experience with these aftermarket pulleys?
Normally I would go to Cummins, but I figured the idler for Hyd. pump didn't come from Cummins, or least not with the engine.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Idler pulley Part numbers
Post by: Green99 on September 15, 2018, 12:47:23 pm
Don,
That is correct mine has 2 different pulleys.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Idler pulley Part numbers
Post by: wolfe10 on September 15, 2018, 01:26:50 pm
I would NO deviate from the factory speced idlers (not necessarily brand, but spec).  Others that may look the same may or may not have the correct tension.  Would hate to see you stranded because of too little or too much belt tension causing damage to systems those belts drive.

I have no problem crossing factory OE parts to GATES Corp idlers.  They are very good and the dampening is better than most others:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTLV5IU_IMM
Title: Re: Idler pulley Part numbers
Post by: Don & Tys on September 15, 2018, 01:33:28 pm
Here are the Gates part numbers I have the belt tensioners for the Cummins ISC. Verify for yourself before buying!
U270 Belt Tensioners
Gates part #'s
38504 (Pump tensioner ),
38516 (for the alternator)
Don
Edit: Here is a post regarding the belt tensioner differences between the Cummins C8.3 (98' and earlier) and the ISC (99' and later).
Part Number Collection (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=11472.msg129143#msg129143)
Title: Re: Idler pulley Part numbers
Post by: John44 on September 15, 2018, 02:11:39 pm
Looked at mine,the alt. tensioner is in an entirely different spot.
Title: Re: Idler pulley Part numbers
Post by: Green99 on September 15, 2018, 03:05:11 pm
Thanks Don, while they look correct I will verify.
Title: Re: Idler pulley Part numbers
Post by: Don & Tys on September 15, 2018, 05:03:28 pm
The alternator belt tensioner arrangement on the C8.3 makes it so much easier to change the alternator belt compared to the ISC. I once had a very painful experience trying to change the alternator belt. A finger got caught between the edge of the pulley and the belt while changing it. Made a bloody mess :o I finally had to resort to loosening the mounting bolt in order to thread the belt on because there just isn't enough swing room for the tensioner to get out of the way. I resolved to buy a half inch longer belt next time to see whether that might make it easier to change the belt while allowing the tensioner to still do its job.
Don
Looked at mine,the alt. tensioner is in an entirely different spot.
Title: Re: Idler pulley Part numbers
Post by: wolfe10 on September 15, 2018, 05:22:36 pm
Water pump pliers are your friend. Install the belt with the tensioner "loose" and use the pliers to rotate the detent into its hole.

Been there, done that.
Title: Re: Idler pulley Part numbers
Post by: Barry & Cindy on September 15, 2018, 09:09:47 pm
Consider only using Gates over Dayco tensioners:

Replacing Hydraulic Pump Tensioner (http://beamalarm.com/Documents/replacing_hydraulic_pump_tensioner.html)