Cummins QSB 5.9 water pump and alternator belts.

[driver0606]

Hello,
I posted recently about a slight "rock" in the bearings of the sea water pump belt idler pulleys. The old ones were smooth and quiet, but I decided to renew the bearings, just to be on the safe. Guess what? The new ones were the same as the old! Ho hum. I suppose there is no real side force from the belt and it does not matter.
My attention then turned to the serpantine belts driving the alternators. They appear in good condition having done about 400 hours. However, and this is probably one for Latestarter1, they are 8 years old, should they therefore be changed on the time basis?
Thank you for your reply(s).

 

[Latestarter1]

Hello,
I posted recently about a slight "rock" in the bearings of the sea water pump belt idler pulleys. The old ones were smooth and quiet, but I decided to renew the bearings, just to be on the safe. Guess what? The new ones were the same as the old! Ho hum. I suppose there is no real side force from the belt and it does not matter.
My attention then turned to the serpantine belts driving the alternators. They appear in good condition having done about 400 hours. However, and this is probably one for Latestarter1, they are 8 years old, should they therefore be changed on the time basis?
Thank you for your reply(s).

When switching from 'V' to Dayco Polyveebelts/Gates Microvee belts we took belt replacement out of service schedule and replaced it with removal and inspection for internal cracks and replacement. However I think at 8 years this is a pretty reasonable life. Cummins pricing for these belts is plan stupid. Gates Microvee belts are top quality and sensibly priced when purchased from motor factors, typically around £20. You do not have the later arrangement of a stretch belt on the raw water pump, pricing of OEM item is belt is simply nuts.

Good luck

 

[IDAMAY]

Just changed mine for the first time at 5+ years and over 1000 hours. The old ones look in good condition so it's just precautionary. Retained for emergency spares.

Richard.

 

[AndieMac]

Hello,
I posted recently about a slight "rock" in the bearings of the sea water pump belt idler pulleys. The old ones were smooth and quiet, but I decided to renew the bearings, just to be on the safe. Guess what? The new ones were the same as the old! Ho hum. I suppose there is no real side force from the belt and it does not matter.
My attention then turned to the serpantine belts driving the alternators. They appear in good condition having done about 400 hours. However, and this is probably one for Latestarter1, they are 8 years old, should they therefore be changed on the time basis?
Thank you for your reply(s).

Check the condition of the idler pulley bearing, 'sealed for life', on the serpentine belt/alternator side, we just had one fail/seize after 300 hours, from a totally new engine installation (commercial usage) and smashed a fuel calculation sensor.