My 98 E320 has shreaded the inter two ribs of the drive belt. There was also a broken belt? about the same diameter of the crankshaft pulley that I don't know where it came from.

Upon investigation it appears that when the drive belt goes around the idler pulleys it rides the drive belt too close to the engine which is causing the inter ribs of the drive belt to shread.

The belt tensioner appears be working, it fluctuates about +- 1/4" with the engine at idle. Based on the mileage of the car it should be replaced.

I believe that the problem lies with the broken belt? The belt is about the diameter of the crankshaft pulley and about 1/4" thick. It looks like it sheared off because the width is about 1" with one edge straight and the back edge torn.

Any suggestions?

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Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles