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Topic: 1996 U270 C8.3 belt tensioners (Read 3583 times) previous topic - next topic

1996 U270 C8.3 belt tensioners

Two belt tensioners needs replacing (one for alternator and other for hydraulic pump).  Both are marked 00317 WRZ which seems to be Cummins parts (outsourced by Dayco?).  Looks like Gates # 38504 is compatible with both of those, is that correct?

Amazon has Gates # 38504 for $86.
1996 U-270
Build # 4951
Cummins 8.3

Re: 1996 U270 C8.3 belt tensioners

Reply #1
Jamie,

Good seeing you again.  You got a great coach.

Agree that Gates makes an excellent automatic belt tensioner.

BTW, here is a 30 second video by Gates Corp on diagnosing failed tensioners: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTLV5IU_IMM
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: 1996 U270 C8.3 belt tensioners

Reply #2
I bought two of them from that exact same source for our C8.3 - perfect fit.  They were $75.51 in June 2014...inflation strikes again.

Amazon.com: Gates 38504 Belt Tensioner: Automotive
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: 1996 U270 C8.3 belt tensioners

Reply #3
Rock Auto has it for $78, but you pay shipping, but no tax. However, retailmenot and type rock auto and you can get 5% discount code.

Always check rockauto.com AND amazon...it appears they both uses the same supplier, but it varies which one is the cheaper.
1998 U270 34'

Re: 1996 U270 C8.3 belt tensioners

Reply #4
Brett: Agree that I got very nice coach, much better than what we have seen at MOT recently and it is reasonable priced too.

Great about rockauto.com, never heard of them.  I got Prime membership so shipping for that Gates tensioner is free (ordered two).
1996 U-270
Build # 4951
Cummins 8.3

Re: 1996 U270 C8.3 belt tensioners

Reply #5
Gates tensioners are MUCH better than Dayco style.  Gates has a sealed body, whereas other styles have an opening where the end of the spring hangs on to the case.  We put them on ourselves. 

Look carefully for any spacer shims behind the original tensioners as they look and feel part of the original, but are separate and need to be put back behind new Gates.

Replacing Hydraulic Pump Tensioner