Serp Belt & Tensioner Replacement
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Serp Belt & Tensioner Replacement
Just wondering what is recommended or what everyone is using for belts/parts on the tensioner pulley etc. I have heard Gates / Dayco are good.
For the belt I tried to get one from dealer with none in stock and a week delivery time so I went with a GY Gatorback. I did not replace the tensioner assembly so at 84k maybe I should get a new one to go with the new belt?
It seems fine right now no noise or rattling...but.... a new one would be better!
I have to say the Improved GatorBack'* are nice and quiet and no slipping so far.
For the belt I tried to get one from dealer with none in stock and a week delivery time so I went with a GY Gatorback. I did not replace the tensioner assembly so at 84k maybe I should get a new one to go with the new belt?
It seems fine right now no noise or rattling...but.... a new one would be better!
I have to say the Improved GatorBack'* are nice and quiet and no slipping so far.
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for confidence in an older tensioner. I am going to monitor it from time to time but will replace it in about another 15k miles to be on the safe side. Nothing worse than having a belt go and learn even if you got a spare belt.. the tensioner went!
I got a photo of the new gatorback and am quite impressed with the deign. From what I understand, they run cooler thanks to the angled perforations.
I got a photo of the new gatorback and am quite impressed with the deign. From what I understand, they run cooler thanks to the angled perforations.
#5
Senior Member
True Car Nut
I forget what I had put on mine a few years back, I do know the next time I'll be replacing it myself, along with the 133k tensioner, I just have to figure out how to remove that engine mount that is in the way.
The next belt I go with will be the Gatorback, I have wanted it since I seen it on Two Guys Garage. :o
The next belt I go with will be the Gatorback, I have wanted it since I seen it on Two Guys Garage. :o
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I know the EPDM belts by Gates are best. The GatorBacks are also good enough.
What has me confused if you go to Rockauto page http://www.rockauto.com/ and look up belt/tensioner, these two come up under 1997 Park Ave 3.8 NON SUPERCHARGED.
Ok obviously one is not right! Based on the below diagram, my K code should be like this with the coolant piping, but I am not so sure when I look at the engine...maybe someone here which has more experience with FSM can tell me why the confusion?
What has me confused if you go to Rockauto page http://www.rockauto.com/ and look up belt/tensioner, these two come up under 1997 Park Ave 3.8 NON SUPERCHARGED.
Ok obviously one is not right! Based on the below diagram, my K code should be like this with the coolant piping, but I am not so sure when I look at the engine...maybe someone here which has more experience with FSM can tell me why the confusion?
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks..ok so what is all involved to change it? Doos not look like much fun at all.
Since the bearing sits in the single pulley it would be probably best to just install a new pulley. Which brand Dayco or Gates Or GM/Delco for the pulley?
Since the bearing sits in the single pulley it would be probably best to just install a new pulley. Which brand Dayco or Gates Or GM/Delco for the pulley?