So, since I haven't purchased a service manual yet and can't find one in the librabry, how exactly does one detension the serpentine belt to change it without buggering up the spring mechanism? how much torque do the valve cover gaskets get?<br><br>thanks!<br>

 

The serpentine belt is easy, well OK not soo easy to pull off but basically its pretty simple... The tensioner pully bracket has a 3/8 square hole in it to accept a 3/8 ratchet. Insert the ratchet and push down toward the air filter and slip it off. I usually slip it off of the alternator I think ??? .<br><br>As for the valve covers, they are rubber gaskets so I wouldn't go over 10 ft-lbs. I just go until snug and see if any start to weep and give those ones a little more. Use a very thin layer of permatex on them if they seem really hard to help get a good seal..<br><br>I hope this helps.. <br><br>J-eh

 

Just replaced my belt not to long ago and 1st tried a belt from napa. The belt was a tad short and they said it was the biggest one they got. So I tried one from carquest and it went on with no prob. with the right amount of tension. Just my experience. Anybody else have this problem?

 

I only use the Gaterback belt from Goodyear. No squeek or squal at shut down and have had no problems. I also carry a spare, just in case.<br><br>As for the valve cover gaskets, get them from Cummins if you can. They are now gray and seem to work OK. Dealer has them or aparts house liKe NAPA but they should be gray looking material. I don't use permatex to seal, just clean area good and wipe down with alcohol or lacquer thinner first and put on and snug down valve cover. To tight will cut gasket.<br><br>Jim

 

Thanks for the clue about the 3/8 square hole, I hadn't seen it and I was mighty puzzled about how I was supposed to grab hold of that thing. Belt is on. I used a napa belt and the one I took off was a napa belt and they both seemed to fit fine. One question: The belt is lined up fine with all the driven pulleys, but running a little off center on the tensioner. Is that OK? How would I fix it if it wasn't? My VC gaskets came from napa too and they are gray.<br><br>thanks again!<br>

 

See if the tensioner has any in and out play, they can go bad.

 

If that tensioner is runnin off center keep a close eye on it, I just chewed up a new belt. Everything was tight but something happened with the spring wind. Had to get new one $99.00 at Cummins NW.