What is the longest you would go before changing to a new belt? Yeah, I know about the signs of crackin and all, just curious if any of you would change it out because of reasons of preventive maintenance and what have you. If that's the case, at what mileage would it be time to change out? Is there a highly reccomended brand/type other than OEM? How about a part # and source? Yes, i'm still chasin' down this "purring/clatter" noise; it's gettin' more obvious with each passin' day. I've taken all your advise and still no luck. I thought I might try runnin' the truck at idle w/o the belt to listen for pulley noises and thought I might change the belt out while I was at it. Carmyne

 

I check mine usually at least monthly. My main concern is that crack that goes across the whole belt - this is where the two sections are joined. That being said I never let it go past 50,000 miles. I also use either a Dayco or Gator back. I consider them the best on the market today. Remember this belt runs everything - WP, A/C, FGan and Alt. so if it goes you're dead in the water - all that for a part that costs less than 30 bucks.

Bob

 

How about the real thing

 

If it looks good, I leave it be. I have seen trucks with over 100k on the original Mopar belt, and it still looks pretty good.

That Cummins belt is probably a million-mile part.

 

I'll add, everyone should have a spare behind the seat. Preferably a short belt/nonAC belt in case your AC compressor locks up on you.

I like this Gatorback belt I've been using for awhile now. Got it from Autozone. About the only thing I recommend from there.

 

I see guys at the shop everyday take off good looking belts and put on new ones.

Guess what they do with the belt they took off---toss it in the trash.

They don't think of the possibility of maybe needing that old belt someday or dark, rainy night.

I keep a new belt in the doghouse, beneath the sleeper, and will run the new one that is on the engine until it is very fuzzy or broken.

When I have to install the new belt, I will stick another new one in there before the sun sets.

I just consider it a necessity of owning a vehicle.

 

There is an Autozone right around the corner...you got a part #?

 

Cost? Is it pricey?

 

Belt with AC, Autozone pn is 4080830. Belt without AC, Autozone pn is 4080635.

Autozone belt options: http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...K+UP%7C%7EBELT

 

Cummins belt pn 3919879 is $34 on www.reliablegoods.com. I'd prefer the Gatorback belt technology over the ribbed Cummins belt.

 

I couldn't tell you how much the belt was. It was in the back of the truck when my Dad bought it from the NJ Turnpike Authority

Michael

PS it was VERY tight to get on, right Dave

 

Yep. We almost gave up on it, figured it was the wrong one.

 

my dad taught me a trick. dont put it on the water pump til last. mine worked better and i just paid about 35 for a new one from freightliner after taxes. and only reason im replacing it is that the previous owner didnt shim the alternator right and it ate one complete groove off.

 

I have not seen one of these Gatorback belts.

Does anyone have a picture??

How are they different from the ribbed belts??

Thanks.

 

The belt can have minor cracks back and forth across the ribbed surface and be alright or a long time. When the cracks start to go along the length of the belt or you see fraying, it's time to get off the bucks and get another one. I use reverse pschycology on the issue, I always carry a spare so the one on the engine will never break. (that and I replace it every two years whether it needs it or not, cheap insurance)