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Serp Belt & Tensioner Replacement

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Old 02-12-2012, 11:00 PM
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Default 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.
Attached Thumbnails Serp Belt & Tensioner Replacement-gygatorback.jpg  
Old 02-12-2012, 11:19 PM
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Thats the only belts i use is gatorback or gates but with only 84k your tensioner should be okay but never hurts to have new parts
Old 02-13-2012, 10:52 PM
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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.
Attached Thumbnails Serp Belt & Tensioner Replacement-gygatorbackpkave.jpg  
Old 02-13-2012, 11:58 PM
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Yeah they are great belts heck i have about 70k miles on the one on bubba and its still in good shape..
Old 02-17-2012, 05:38 PM
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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
Old 02-17-2012, 07:41 PM
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The gates belts are the best, but you need to get them from napa. The gatorbacks are good belts, but I like gates much better.
Old 02-17-2012, 10:46 PM
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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?
Attached Thumbnails Serp Belt & Tensioner Replacement-kcodeengine.jpg  
Old 02-17-2012, 10:47 PM
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Oooopssie..should have included this image above....
Here is the two differnt tensioner assemblies stated one is Dayco the other is Gates
Attached Thumbnails Serp Belt & Tensioner Replacement-daycogatestensionerconfusion.jpg  
Old 02-18-2012, 08:01 AM
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The one on the left is your acc belt tensioner, the one on the right is your supercharger belt tensioner.
Old 02-18-2012, 08:15 AM
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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?


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