Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Belt tensioners replaced on U295 (Read 668 times) previous topic - next topic

Belt tensioners replaced on U295

Replaced my tensioners and wanted to share some detail. They were squeaking very badly and I would have most likely been in a great deal of trouble with a failure on the road.

There were several Numbers on the tensioners, I guess they may have been original eguipment.

The Alternator Belt tensioner was as follows:
It is a grooved pully and the Gates replacement required a bit of manipulation to install

Cummins /Bluebird /Ford 3945527
Etched Number 174934
Goodyear 49521
Dayco 89406
Gates 38516

The Air Pump Tensioner had a smooth pully and the one from Gates installed easily, here are the details

Cummins /Bluebird /Ford 3934818
Etched Number 189932
Goodyear 49501
Dayco 89409
Gates 38504

The R&R too right at 35 minutes. So it isn't bad at all. A large channel Lock Plier allowed me to twist the Alt tensioner to line up the tab, as it hit the bracket.

Re: Belt tensioners replaced on U295

Reply #1 –
Quote from: ChuSmith –
The R&R too right at 35 minutes. So it isn't bad at all. A large channel Lock Pliers allowed me to twist the Alt tensioner to line up the tab, as it hit the bracket.
This is where I am after replacing the alternator (which tested good, so the charging system failure is still under investigation).
 
The instructions say to use a 3/8" Socket handle to turn the tensioner. If I had longer than a 9" handle, I would have a better chance, but it sure feels very TIGHT. and that is before I install the lower alternator bolt.
 
Is there something about the tensioner I need to release before I try to line it up to get the pin into its hole? Where are you gripping the tensioner with your large pliers? I know it was tight before I removed the alternator, but at the moment it appears unlikely that I can get the tensioner reinstalled without help. What am I missing or doing wrong?
 
ANY advice will be welcome at this stage.
 
Thanks,

Trent

Re: Belt tensioners replaced on U295

Reply #2 –
Trent,

Assume your belt is short enough that you can not get it over the pulleys by just using the ratchet to rotate the tensioner.

If so, loosen the through bolt that holds the tensioner just enough to allow the detent pin to exit its hole in the bracket.  Rotate it out of the way enough to install the belt. Then put your water pump pliers on the body of the tensioner (the part closest to the bracket and rotate it so that you can push in on it to engage the detent in its hole. 

Sounds more complicated than it is.  Start playing with it and all will make sense.

Re: Belt tensioners replaced on U295

Reply #3 –
Brett,
 
When I removed the alternator, I was not able to get the tensioner to move enough to loosen the belt. I wound up removing the bolt holding the tensioner. As I removed the tensioner, it sounded like something released; I assume that is when the pin cleared the body. The belt was then loose enough to remove the alternator.

BTW, the alternator checked out fine according to the auto electric guy. I have reinstalled the main kingpin and reattached the four wires. I have the tensioner in place and its main screw started but have not been able to rotate it into position. I will try the BIG pliers as you suggested.
 
I have not yet replaced the bottom alternator bolt. Should that be done before I finish the tensioner installation? or vice verse?
 
Thanks for your guidance and instructions,
 
Trent

Re: Belt tensioners replaced on U295

Reply #4 –
I would try to install the alternator first.  And the winding up of the tensioner is really not that difficult with a pair of water pump pliers.  You may also be able to use a good-sized pipe wrench to wind it up.

Re: Belt tensioners replaced on U295

Reply #5 –
That Gates tensioner is the same as used on my C8.3. 

It should have a square 1/2" hole in the face that you can put a 1/2" breaker bar into.  A breaker bar in the 18-24" length range should allow plenty of leverage for you to push it down and put the belt on.  The tensioner needs to be attached before you put the belt on, especially with a brand new tight belt.  On a brand new belt, you may need a helper to either hold the tensioner down or slide the belt over the grooves.  Once the belt is a bit older, it stretches a bit and can be easily done by one person.

Re: Belt tensioners replaced on U295

Reply #6 –
Robert,

Actually, I have run into several Foretravel applications where the tensioner did need to be rotated by releasing the detent pin to allow sufficient clearance to install the belt.

No biggie with a pair of large/water pump pliers to "wind up" the tensioner.

Re: Belt tensioners replaced on U295

Reply #7 –
Unfortunately, mine is 3/8". I will try Brett's suggestion to use Big Bertha. If that doesn't do it, then we will bring out Big Daddy. He's a 4' stainless steel thick-walled pipe that I think will fit over my socket driver (non-ratchet).
 
I was not planning to use a new belt as the existing one *looks* to be pretty new and in excellent condition. I only removed the alternator to have it checked. Unfortunately, it is not the source of my low voltage output.
 
Thanks for the advice, guys. keep those cards and letters coming. :)
 
Trent
 

Re: Belt tensioners replaced on U295

Reply #8 –
I used a very large Channel Lock Pliers (14 Inch) in order to turn and line up the indicator as it was hitting the bracket. Wish I had taken a photo of that because the tension is high making it a bit tricky.