...to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop?

I have an embarassing question of sorts. I'm a newbie to my 1985 Mercedes 300D and I'd like to know how many drive belts I should have? To my knowledge/observations it looks as though there should be 4. One for the powering steering, one for the A/C, and 2 for the alternator/water pump. I have one for the power steering, one for the A/C, and one for the alternator/water pump. There are two identical sets of pulleys but there's only one belt. It's located closest to the grill as if you were looking down from the top of the engine. Everything is running fine so my question is..... do I need another belt there or is it for preventitive maintenance?

Thanks.... and don't laugh too hard.

Brian

You got it take's 4 all total. Two on the water pump and the the a\c is one and p\s is one. So that mean that you will pull all four to replace the rear two. I alway replace all four at the same time. At least have all four and inspect the other three. I also carry and extra four as back up. Good luck. Charlie

If I was designing an automotive belt system, I would put 2 belts on the power steering pump. That would be the most important thing not to lose safety wise. Better yet would be to put the 2 belts on the power steering pump and fan/water pump together. One is enough for the AC compressor because if that belt breakes, so what.

I don't agree with using these new serpintine belts where one belt drives everything. But on my 300SDL, I'm stuck with it. And then I might GET stuck with it.

P E H

Thanks guys.... I'll get all new belts. Just to reiterate my question though.... if everything is working fine.... what is the purpose of the 2 belts at the water pump/alt?

Thanks,
Brian

I think MB idea for two belts on the water pump/fan was because this system is the most important to the engine. You can keep going without A/C, and even power steering, but if one belt on the water pump goes and that's all you have you stop no matter what.

Like rebootit said. In Europe they used to go a long way before reaching a gas station so having an extra belt would get you time to get to the next station. Well that's what I heared :p

Maybe so, but it that Power steering belt breaks on a sharp corner, the next station may be a hospital. That was why I suggested having the dual belts drive the power steering and the water pump/fan.

P E H

That's why Messers. Daimler & Benz put the pizza pan-size steering wheel in the car in the first place- extra leverage!

__________________
Nate Stanley
(Currently Benzless)
1985 F-250 6.9l 170K
2009 SCION XB 36.5K
2003 LS430 78K
2012 Kubota B 2320