Quote:
Originally Posted by waybomb
On Sunday, I put the correct Continental belts on the PS pump and the alternator.
Left off the ac and air pump just to see if they were part of the problem.
So far belts are fine. They sit in the sheaves deeper. I ran all the electrical accessories I could and turned the wheel hard right to hard left, all while varying engine speed. Belts didn't flutter at all. Drove it for three days ow and all ok.
I think the entire issue was using belts that were not of correct cross section. So, lesson - don't buy belts for your Benz at local parts stores in an effort to save time.
Alas, I now have a high idle. I've performed a search here and will be checking vacuum hoses first, then the idle control black box.
Thanks for all you comments and guidance.
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I have just replaced a set of NAPA Premium belts on the '91 420SEL that appear to have lasted over 50K miles based upon my records.
There is a need to replace BOTH PS/fan belts together as a set, and I personally believe that more important that both new belts s/b from the same manufacturer than which manufacturer...
Non-withstanding this belief I would agree that Continental is the way to go when you have the luxury of being able to wait until you can get a full set at a rea$onable price. And as we all know, your price may vary.
I always try to carry a full set of (lightly) used belts (I try to remember to replace them before they break) and after last weekend I now have the hand tools needed to replace all 5 belts in the trunks for the '88 I. & the '91.
Pretty simple list, BTW: I bought used Craftsman 13mm box end wrench & 13mm 3/8th drive socket, a Fuller (Drop Forged-Made in Japan) 17mm X 19mm Combo open end wrench, a 6mm Allen head key, for a grand total of $5.00, conveniently had an old 3/8th ratchet and can now replace all 5 if there is access under the passenger side at the front.
My experience is that DAYCO, Goodyear, the afformentioned NAPA Premium line are pretty good belts, especially if they are metric-sized.
Cheers!
p.s. A full set of O'Reilly house-brand belts only cost about $32 and will certainly do in a pinch, or as the spares.