So My car threw a alternator belt lastnite - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vstech · #16 04-14-2012, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Wow, can I commiserate.

The '84 is identical.

I've tried to purchase some 1005mm belts to attempt to get them on without removing the fan. Not only did it not work, but the 1005's were of a different configuration and only lasted six months. The section width was less than the 1000's.

So, I go to replace the 1005's and I snap the tensioning bolt because I don't put a wrench on the forward side and the counter torque snaps the threads right off.

Finally get back to it about four months later and it takes three hours to carefully remove the fan, remove the p/s belt, remove the a/c belt, install the the two alternator belts, install the fan, install the the a/c belt, install the p/s belt.

I agree..........it's the absolute biggest PITA that I have ever seen. A mechanic would need $300. in labor to change the alternator belts on the latest models of SD.

I SOOOOO like my 82's configuration...
I now have an 85... and the first thing I'm going to do to it, is cut off all the belts, and install a set... I'll put it on video and see where it goes.
I've only got an 8GB card in the camera... how many hours will it take?

JamesDean · #17 04-14-2012, 08:26 AM

Man..what did they do in the later 84/85 SD's belt drive thats so much more difficult than my 82's?

Even the 420SEL wasnt bad when it threw its alt belt a few months ago.

Brian Carlton · #18 04-14-2012, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

I SOOOOO like my 82's configuration...
I now have an 85... and the first thing I'm going to do to it, is cut off all the belts, and install a set... I'll put it on video and see where it goes.
I've only got an 8GB card in the camera... how many hours will it take?

You save a bit of time if you cutoff the old belts. But, even you won't be able to get the entire job done in less than two hours. Unless you've developed some special procedure, the R&R of the fan takes at least 45 minutes itself. There is just no easy way to get the screws installed and tightened. It's maddening.

The a/c belt positively will not install without using the engine to get it into place. Wind the belt onto the pulleys as tight as you can get it and then bump the starter to seat the belt. Then you get to fight with the a/c tensioner...............

Brian Carlton · #19 04-14-2012, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesDean

Man..what did they do in the later 84/85 SD's belt drive thats so much more difficult than my 82's?

Even the 420SEL wasnt bad when it threw its alt belt a few months ago.

The mounting bracket for the alternator will not rise by more than 1/2 the available travel distance in the tensioner slot. It hits the water pump discharge. You cannot get sufficient slack in the belts to install or remove them. Removal requires cutting the belt (or removing the fan). Installing them definitely requires removal of the fan.

JamesDean · #20 04-14-2012, 11:27 AM

45 minutes to remove the fan?!

Anyone have a picture of this 84/85 setup?

funola · #21 04-14-2012, 11:44 AM

What year model 617's have difficult to change alt belts? I changed them on my 83 300DT a year and a half ago when the last belt finally broke (bitter end of the dual belts- yeah I kept driving it with only one belt for a long time) and do not recall any problems or cursing episodes. I also do not remember having to remove the fan either.

funola · #22 04-14-2012, 11:50 AM

I do not remember if I had to do this or not on my 300DT.

If there is not enough "slack" in the tensioner to wrap the belt around the pulleys by hand, I always use the starter motor to do it. Sometimes it goes the first time, other times a few more tries. On the ones that are really stubborn, I help it along with a ramp made out of wood or plastic and the belt rides up the ramp into the groove once I hit the starter motor.

JamesDean · #23 04-14-2012, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funola

What year model 617's have difficult to change alt belts? I changed them on my 83 300DT a year and a half ago when the last belt finally broke (bitter end of the dual belts- yeah I kept driving it with only one belt for a long time) and do not recall any problems or cursing episodes. I also do not remember having to remove the fan either.

I think its on the 84/85 models. My 82 is like your 83.

funola · #24 04-14-2012, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesDean

I think its on the 84/85 models. My 82 is like your 83.

Thanks!

Brian Carlton · #25 04-14-2012, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesDean

45 minutes to remove the fan?!

Anyone have a picture of this 84/85 setup?

Removing it is easy. Reinstallation is the trick. It's difficult to get them to install into the holes and start the first thread. Tightening with a wrench is a slow affair............1/4 turn at a time. No socket fits the heads.

Have you done it?

vstech · #26 04-14-2012, 12:26 PM

This Must just be On 126s the 123s all got 1035mm belts, so not as tight

panZZer · #27 04-14-2012, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

You save a bit of time if you cutoff the old belts. But, even you won't be able to get the entire job done in less than two hours. Unless you've developed some special procedure, the R&R of the fan takes at least 45 minutes itself. There is just no easy way to get the screws installed and tightened. It's maddening.

The a/c belt positively will not install without using the engine to get it into place. Wind the belt onto the pulleys as tight as you can get it and then bump the starter to seat the belt. Then you get to fight with the a/c tensioner...............

I cut the compressor belt--amn thing was leeching power/mileage anyway.

I was thinking of a new setup lastnite--with the Sanden compressor in the stock PS pump location, And a GM PS pump-with the remote resivor--- down where the radial compressor is now.

I saw a 81 NA at a salvage yard a yr or so ago that had a sanden on the PS-maybe bolted to a york mount,
but that wont work on a Terbeau Deezl

Brian Carlton · #28 04-14-2012, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panZZer

I cut the compressor belt--amn thing was leeching power/mileage anyway.

I was thinking of a new setup lastnite--with the Sanden compressor in the stock PS pump location, And a GM PS pump-with the remote resivor--- down where the radial compressor is now.

Reinventing the wheel might be quite satisfying, but you'll never get any payback in future time savings when you replace belts. Those two belts still must come off to replace the alternator belts. Unfortunately, the alternator belts will stretch to the limit of the bracket travel far sooner than the belts themselves will be trashed.

My belts are not more than one year old. I tightened the alternator belts this morning and I've only got 1/4" left on the bracket for future tightening.

The new belt gauge works quite well. No more guessing on tension.

pawoSD · #29 04-14-2012, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

No surprise.

Like most of what you post, this is complete BS.

None of our diesels have an A/C belt in the way, which helps a bit, and yes, it does only take me about half an hour. How long does it take to loosen 6 bolts/nuts on the P/S pump/alt and slip a few belts on and off? If you are slower thats your own problem I suppose.

Brian Carlton · #30 04-15-2012, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

None of our diesels have an A/C belt in the way, which helps a bit, and yes, it does only take me about half an hour. How long does it take to loosen 6 bolts/nuts on the P/S pump/alt and slip a few belts on and off? If you are slower thats your own problem I suppose.

My bad. I actually thought you were paying attention to the content of this thread and that your post was relevant to the '84 or '85 SD. But, after I checked your vehicles, I find that you never owned or worked on one of these.

Let's see............the OP has an '85 SD with a/c. I have an '84 SD with the identical setup. We were having a discussion regarding those vehicles and you decide to stick your $.02 about an '82 SD without a/c.

Congratulations on your feat of speed.

Unfortunately it's irrelevant to this thread.

I remain unsurprised, however.