Belt change

SoIlBoy · 08-09-2011, 05:18 PM

I have an '05 model 36G, with the Cummins 300 ISB. I have decided to change the serpentine belt, just because. You can't even SEE the belt from underneath, so I assume it all is done from up top. There are 3 access hatches under the bed, and it looks to me that I will need to use the rearmost hatch. To use that hatch do you have to partially take the bed frame apart? And if that is the hatch, do you have fairly good access to to front of the engine? Anyone change the belt on the 36G?
Thanks.

Smitty3509 · 08-10-2011, 07:21 AM

My wife and I changed the belt in our '08 Tour in about an hour. It's definitely a two person job, one working from the top hatch and one wedged below the engine. I would try the access hatch at the rear of your coach first, that's where we could look straight down on to the belt. You need a 1/2 socket bar to move the belt tensioner to loosen the belt, then it's just a matter of working the belt off and over the fan blades. Be sure you note how the belt is routed around the pulleys! I thought I kept my engine pretty clean, but I was covered in grease and grime when done........ We had to remove a bracket and sensor wire at the top of the engine to get the belt off, no big deal, but I found the pins pushed in at the water proof connector. After I put it all back together my engine Temp gauge started fluctuating quite a bit. It use to read half way and never move. I think the oil temp and water temp are in the same gauge and I was only reading oil temp. Now it is reading what I would expect. Watch those pins in that connector. (Mine is a ISL 400 engine)

indiana journey · 08-10-2011, 09:11 AM

We have a 2004 36G winnebago with the 300 ISB Cummins also. I changed the serpentine belt last fall, after the temperature had cooled down.
After looking from the bottom and the top, I decided that there was not an easy way to access the belt. Since I had to change the air filter at the same time I decided to check the side access. I removed the air filter and didn't have enough room to manuver in the small area. I decided to also remove the muffler to give me enough room to get to the belt.
I then could almost see most of the belt and the pulleys. I drew a picture of the belt routing for future reference and started the removal of the belt.
The tensioning pulley was a real "bear" to get to and remove the tension to remove the belt, but after that it got easier. I fed the belt over the fan and was really proud of myself for that major accomplishment. Little did I know what was ahead.
The new belt went over the fan pretty easy and went on the pulleys a little harder. When I tried to get the belt on the tension pulley it was too much of a stretch for the belt. I then took two of the mounting bolts off of the alternator and loosened the other two, to give the belt a little more play. The belt would then go on the tension pulley. The alternator was then pryed into place with a large screwdriver and the four bolts tightened.
I then replaced the muffler and put the new air filter on the coach.
This took me about 10 hours total over the course of two days. I know that there has to be an easier way, but I haven"t found it yet.
I spent the next two days healing up from the scratches, bruises, and sore muscles that I got while changing the belt.
While this sounds like I had a hard time, I really enjoyed doing the job myself. It was worth every ache and pain to know that the job was done right and to my satisfaction.
Good Luck,
Indiana Journey

pine tree · 08-10-2011, 04:08 PM

Hi All,

How often in terms of miles and/or time do we need to change this serpitine belt? Mine is ten years old with 50K miles on a CAT engine. The place [CAT/Freightliner] I get service has never said a word about the belt.

Pine Tree

Gary - K7GLD · 08-10-2011, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pine tree

Hi All,

How often in terms of miles and/or time do we need to change this serpitine belt? Mine is ten years old with 50K miles on a CAT engine. The place [CAT/Freightliner] I get service has never said a word about the belt.

Pine Tree

I'd say you were about due - better to put on a new one now in your driveway, than later out along some lonely stretch of road - especially if it takes you 10 hours like the guy further above...

Sammie · 08-10-2011, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pine tree

Hi All,

How often in terms of miles and/or time do we need to change this serpitine belt? Mine is ten years old with 50K miles on a CAT engine. The place [CAT/Freightliner] I get service has never said a word about the belt.

Pine Tree

Pinetree, Do it now! Mine went without any warning at 16000 miles. I had just started my normal early June trip and after only 90 miles from my house, this was the result.

Oh well, lesson learned.

Sammie

FIRE UP · 08-16-2011, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by indiana journey

We have a 2004 36G winnebago with the 300 ISB Cummins also. I changed the serpentine belt last fall, after the temperature had cooled down.
After looking from the bottom and the top, I decided that there was not an easy way to access the belt. Since I had to change the air filter at the same time I decided to check the side access. I removed the air filter and didn't have enough room to manuver in the small area. I decided to also remove the muffler to give me enough room to get to the belt.
I then could almost see most of the belt and the pulleys. I drew a picture of the belt routing for future reference and started the removal of the belt.
The tensioning pulley was a real "bear" to get to and remove the tension to remove the belt, but after that it got easier. I fed the belt over the fan and was really proud of myself for that major accomplishment. Little did I know what was ahead.
The new belt went over the fan pretty easy and went on the pulleys a little harder. When I tried to get the belt on the tension pulley it was too much of a stretch for the belt. I then took two of the mounting bolts off of the alternator and loosened the other two, to give the belt a little more play. The belt would then go on the tension pulley. The alternator was then pryed into place with a large screwdriver and the four bolts tightened.
I then replaced the muffler and put the new air filter on the coach.
This took me about 10 hours total over the course of two days. I know that there has to be an easier way, but I haven"t found it yet.
I spent the next two days healing up from the scratches, bruises, and sore muscles that I got while changing the belt.
While this sounds like I had a hard time, I really enjoyed doing the job myself. It was worth every ache and pain to know that the job was done right and to my satisfaction.
Good Luck,
Indiana Journey

I have to applaud this kind of effort. Many of us would be right along with you. Cuts, scrapes, bruises, cussing (sometimes) etc. I've been in that same situation a zillion times. While I've not changed the Serpentine and the v-belt in our newly purchased '04 Itasca Horizon with the 330 CAT, it looks to be a bit of a job. I just removed my right front tire to do a brake inspection and, those lug nuts are a bit of chore. I'll jump in there and do the belts in short order too. Glad you stuck it out. You now know what's involved and you know youre coach better.
Scott

Conquest102 · 08-16-2011, 02:20 AM

I agree change the belt at home in the driveway is a lot easier than doing it on the side of the road. I have done it both ways and a cool engine in the driveway was way better than the side of the road with a hot engine and the whole family.

SoIlBoy · 08-16-2011, 07:54 PM

I finally worked up the nerve and changed the belt today. Took about 1/2 hour to remove the mattress and bed platform. There are 2 hatches in the 36G to remove. Winnebago could have made it 1 big hatch and it would have been better.

Found out that I could do all the change from above. I released the tension on the old belt so I could spin the fan to feed the new belt thru, while leaving the old belt in place (just in case). The fan has very close tolerance to the shroud, so it is a little difficult to feed thru. Pulled the old belt out of the way and started putting the new belt into place. I did find it easier to get under the coach to start the belt on the crankshaft pulley, wasted 20 minutes trying from up on top before I wised up. First attempt to route the belt scared me because it appeared the belt was the wrong one and was 6 inches too long, then I routed it the right way and it fit

. I did have to call my buddy to come over and pull on the breaker bar on the tensioner while I forced the belt on the alternator pulley. Had to "bump" the starter to get it all the way on.

Success!!!! The only tools needed are a screwdriver to remove the bed platform, a 1/2 drive breaker bar for the tensioner and a 3/8 wrench for the engine covers.

Took about 3 hours total, I think I could now do it in 2 hours.

The scariest part is when you pull the engine covers and look at what you are about to do, very little space to work in. Most of the time I sat on the engine with my feet on the frame. Got dirty.

Tomorrow I will wash the engine and clean the radiator.

Sammie · 08-16-2011, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoIlBoy

I finally worked up the nerve and changed the belt today. Took about 1/2 hour to remove the mattress and bed platform. There are 2 hatches in the 36G to remove. Winnebago could have made it 1 big hatch and it would have been better.

Found out that I could do all the change from above. I released the tension on the old belt so I could spin the fan to feed the new belt thru, while leaving the old belt in place (just in case). The fan has very close tolerance to the shroud, so it is a little difficult to feed thru. Pulled the old belt out of the way and started putting the new belt into place. I did find it easier to get under the coach to start the belt on the crankshaft pulley, wasted 20 minutes trying from up on top before I wised up. First attempt to route the belt scared me because it appeared the belt was the wrong one and was 6 inches too long, then I routed it the right way and it fit

. I did have to call my buddy to come over and pull on the breaker bar on the tensioner while I forced the belt on the alternator pulley. Had to "bump" the starter to get it all the way on.

Success!!!! The only tools needed are a screwdriver to remove the bed platform, a 1/2 drive breaker bar for the tensioner and a 3/8 wrench for the engine covers.

Took about 3 hours total, I think I could now do it in 2 hours.

The scariest part is when you pull the engine covers and look at what you are about to do, very little space to work in. Most of the time I sat on the engine with my feet on the frame. Got dirty.

Tomorrow I will wash the engine and clean the radiator.

Did mine about a year ago. Next time I will wash off the engine first.

Sammie

gewilli · 09-26-2011, 07:08 PM

My buddies 2005 Journey with a c7 just lost his serp. Belt this last weekend along I90, had to be towed. He got it fixed Saturday once he found the right belt and a truck stop mechanic.

I am changing mine very soon. Less than 50,000 miles, but like tires, it's that age thing again ....

Thanks for the pics, tips and tricks.

Garth