I've replaced the fan belt on my '91 300 CE, along with the water pump, when I went to put the new belt on the belt is really tight even the adjuster seems to be loose. Anybody got any thoughts?

Probably have the wrong belt...there was a production belt change on that model..........

http://catalog.peachparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1991-Mercedes--benz-300ce-Drive--Belts&yearid=1991%40%401991&makeid=63%40%40MERCEDES%2DBENZ%40%4063%40%40MERCEDES%2DBENZ%40%40X&modelid=6175%3AMBC%7C1498%3AED%7C10000018%40%40300CE&catid=242346%40%40Drive+Belts&subcatid=242348@@Multi+Rib+Belt&mode=PA

Little over an inch difference between the two............

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A Dalton

When I measured the old belt with the new, I didn't notice any difference in the lenght. The new belt has the numbers 2415 and the old has 2440. Is that a signifcant difference? I was able to get the new belt on, but when I cranked the motor it made a winding sound that I had not heard before.

I don't know belts well enough to guarantee it, but I'd guess the 2415 is 25mm shorter, about 1inch.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

i wouldn't panick on that on one...the tensioner should seem movable. if the belts are the same circumferance, by your own measurement, that should tell you that you have the right belt right? if anything, the old belt should be larger due to stretching but you say it isn't. the new belt should be really tight, that's the point. now, if you couldn't get the new belt on cause it won't fit i'd say you have the wrong belt. just go ahead and secure the tensioner, as long it is properly installed and does move a little. that's what it's supposed to do, it's not supposed to be the main component of the whole thing, just an adjuster. i'd turn the engine over by hand and look at the whole thing prior to buttoning it all up however, just to make sure it looks reasonable. good luck

If you went to the site I listed you will see that chassis takes 2 different length belts...2415mm or 2445mm ...the change is b/c there was a change of the tensioner system on that chassis mid-year.
You are trying to put a 2415mm belt on a system that takes a 2445mm belt.

You engine # tells you which belt to use.

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A Dalton

Thanks Arthur, You're right about the wrong belt. It's amazing how much better things work when you have the right parts.

You'r Welcome..............

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A Dalton