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Topic: Replacing Alternator Belt (Read 337 times) previous topic - next topic

Replacing Alternator Belt

In today's post trip inspection, I noticed a small nick in the belt which drives the alternator. I've attached the video of this as well as the question for this posting. It appears that this belt is placed behind the drive belt for the air conditioner. I don't see how to replace the alternator belt without removing the air conditioner belt. Am I missing something?

 Since we no longer use the dash air (compressor bad), can I simply cut and discard the air conditioner belt to make replacement of the alternator belt easier?

Thanks in advance

Randy.
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Replacing Alternator Belt

Reply #1 –
Didn't watch the movie, but: Yup, you can either back off the A/C compressor adjuster and remove that belt or cut it.  If already some slop/slick in the A/C belt, may be able to "bump it" off (though that is not good for a belt).
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: Replacing Alternator Belt

Reply #2 –
If the compressor is bad, you don't want a belt on the A/C pulley,. If you were to accidently turn it on the belt will break and might get caught on the belt you are replacing. I thought my A/C belt had just wore out and put on a new one to find out my compressor is frozen and destroyed the new belt.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Replacing Alternator Belt

Reply #3 –
Randy,

Can't watch the video but before you do any cutting on your 8.3 engine belts is there any thing else that is run on the A/C belt? Like power steering pump. Or is the power steering run off the alternator belt?

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Replacing Alternator Belt

Reply #4 –
Unfortunately my iPhone records video in .mov format. Remind me how to convert for the forum.
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Replacing Alternator Belt

Reply #5 –
Water pump runs off the alternator belt also,now would be good time to check/replace belt tensioner.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Replacing Alternator Belt

Reply #6 –
Is this belt nick serious enough to replace immediately?  Have about 1500 miles til we get home.
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Replacing Alternator Belt

Reply #7 –
Looks like it will make it,if a Cummins dealer is on the way home stop and get a belt,when you get a belt get 2 one for a spare,with
the engine running look at the belt tensioner,if it has any bounce replace it with a gates brand.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Replacing Alternator Belt

Reply #8 –
I don't see any age cracks in any of the other groves. This looks like a cut. Belt will probably last thousands of miles, many thousands probably.
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Replacing Alternator Belt

Reply #9 –
Quote from: FourTravelers –
I don't see any age cracks in any of the other groves.
Modern serpentine belts don't necessarily present the classic signs of being worn out, like the glazed flat side, severely cracked ribs and counting how many cracks per inch.  Like everything else these days, as things get technologically "better" they present new challenges to old school based diagnostic skills.  See top video in link below if interested:

Gates how to check serpentine belt is bad - Google Search

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: Replacing Alternator Belt

Reply #10 –
Belt looks OK. Generally, one age crack per inch per groove is the limit. You MUST have spare belts for each accessory with the hydraulic radiator pump belt the most important if you have a side radiator.

I've seen a lot of age cracks but your belt damage is unusual and the area should be searched for something that may be loose, have fallen off or interferes with the belt. The damage may have been caused by someone forcing the belt over the pulley with a screwdriver, etc.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)