Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 14, 2025 ...

Belt changing--How?

September 30, 2011, 11:14:23 am

Changed the oil and filters yesterday. While laying there I looked up and saw the belts and now have to change them per Dave's recommendation of using Gates belts. Rear radiator so can't reach them there. Driver's side--air filter system plus offset engine towards passenger side--so can't reach them there. No way to reach up from under--arms too short. This leaves lifting the bed and crawling in and reaching over turbo housing. Anything to be careful of in here? Anyone remember wrench sizes necessary?

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Re: Belt changing--How?

Reply #1 – September 30, 2011, 04:38:38 pm

I can tell you its a pain in the butt if you do it yourself.  After watching the mobile mechanic work on mine for about 7 hours, I'm confident I could do it, but its not easy.  Wouldn't say there's a lot you have to avoid.  There were a couple cables that were in the way that I monitored as he was trying to get to all the bolts.  9/16 was used quite a bit, but there were others.  Can't remember them all.

I can tell you that this is one of the things I will address in my next RV.  Side mounted radiator with access to all belts from the rear engine compartment door!

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Re: Belt changing--How?

Reply #2 – September 30, 2011, 04:45:23 pm

Ya'll have totally different engines, so be careful about the same belts or same procedures working on both.

Cat 3208 vs DD 8.2.

Brett

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Re: Belt changing--How?

Reply #3 – September 30, 2011, 07:02:52 pm

Brett, you got that right!! Only a few things in common such as Foretravel name, radiator in the rear, and only access is under the bed. OOPS, also a pain in the arse to change!!

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Re: Belt changing--How?

Reply #4 – October 11, 2011, 08:20:01 am

Just found out two days ago that Gates makes all the Vee belts and hoses for NAPA.

I got part numbers somewhere and will post them this week as seeing how it is supposed to rain all week here. (Rain started 10 minutes ago)

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Re: Belt changing--How?

Reply #5 – October 11, 2011, 10:09:15 am

OK, here goes. Remember, these belts are only for the Detroit Diesel 8.2 V8 turbocharged 4-cycle engine in my '89 GV.
These are NAPA part numbers. (Gates makes belts and hoses for NAPA)
For the AC/WP: #25-9680 list price: $42.20    price: $29.35  (1) required.
For the PWR Steering: #25-9435  list price: $28.04  price: $19.56  (1) required
For the Alternator: #25-9660  list price: $40.06  price: $28.30  (2) required

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Re: Belt changing--How?

Reply #6 – October 11, 2011, 11:27:01 am

Super! Good to have these numbers up for reference. Will post all numbers for my 9.0 liter Detroit 6V-92TA later today.

Might be nice to print out your post for reference down the road.

Now for the big question, how difficult was it and any tips for others?

Gates does make two versions of some belts, the normal duty and the heavy duty "Green Stripe". Not sure how NAPA handles that.

Wix is the supplier for NAPA filters I was told by their parts counter and have read on other forums. Has an excellent track record.

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Re: Belt changing--How?

Reply #7 – October 11, 2011, 10:36:13 pm

Haven't gotten around to changing the belts yet, as I just finished putting a new clutch, pressure plate, release bearing, and front brakes in our '96 Geo Tracker toad. Amazing what 106,000 miles in Wisconsin, plus the road salt in the winters does to bolts and exhaust systems!!
Next is getting ready for a b-day party for my 90 yr young mother this Saturday. Leaves are falling off the trees in copious amounts due to the heavy rain after the frost so am busy mulching with one lawn tractor and then bagging the pine needles with the Simplicity lawn tractor.
I plan on laying some old Adirondack lawn chair cushions atop the engine to ease the discomfort, then putting a couple moving cushion/blankets on top of that. Tools I have plenty of and the DW has volunteered to function as gopher. I may insist she wear ear plugs, just in case of any "shop talk".

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Re: Belt changing--How?

Reply #8 – October 11, 2011, 11:08:04 pm

Thanks Nite Hawk......good to be reminded why we are full timing.  Way to much work for us old, fat, farts...

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