Fan belt slipping when cold
- baggydew
- Weekend Camper
- Posts: 86
- Joined: Mon May 26, 2008 12:00 am
- B190 Year: 1994
- WBCCI: 0
- Location: Columbus Mississippi
Fan belt slipping when cold
The fan belt slips and squeals when first starting a cold engine. I checked the belt..no cracks or abnormal wear. As soon as I put it in gear, the belt is ok. Thought the belt was self adjusting. Am I wrong? Fixes?
- skater
- Site Admin
- Posts: 2574
- Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2007 1:00 am
- B190 Year: 1991
- WBCCI: 13270
- Location: Annapolis, MD
Re: Fan belt slipping when cold
Do you have the 460?
If so, mine has two belts. One, the one that drives things on the driver's side (like the air conditioner compressor) has a tensioner. It's possible that has worn out. I'm going off memory here, but I'm pretty sure there's also an idler pulley right next to the A/C compressor (which I think is causing noise on mine).
The other belt drives the alternator and possibly the power steering pump. That one does not have a spring tensioner; you have to set the tension as you tighten up the top accessory (if memory serves, it's the alternator) - it's on a bracket that slides.
But, do a quick search on youtube for belt squeal - I've seen videos that demonstrate how to confirm it's just belt noise by squirting some water on it. If it goes away, it was the belt. If not, it's likely a pulley squeaking.
If so, mine has two belts. One, the one that drives things on the driver's side (like the air conditioner compressor) has a tensioner. It's possible that has worn out. I'm going off memory here, but I'm pretty sure there's also an idler pulley right next to the A/C compressor (which I think is causing noise on mine).
The other belt drives the alternator and possibly the power steering pump. That one does not have a spring tensioner; you have to set the tension as you tighten up the top accessory (if memory serves, it's the alternator) - it's on a bracket that slides.
But, do a quick search on youtube for belt squeal - I've seen videos that demonstrate how to confirm it's just belt noise by squirting some water on it. If it goes away, it was the belt. If not, it's likely a pulley squeaking.
1991 Airstream B190 - bought, 2005; sold, 2011; bought 2017
1995 Airstream Excella 30' trailer
WBCCI #13270, Washington, DC Unit
1995 Airstream Excella 30' trailer
WBCCI #13270, Washington, DC Unit
- baggydew
- Weekend Camper
- Posts: 86
- Joined: Mon May 26, 2008 12:00 am
- B190 Year: 1994
- WBCCI: 0
- Location: Columbus Mississippi
Re: Fan belt slipping when cold
Yes, I have the 460. I'll check the tensioner. The water trick is impossible as I can't get to the engine fast enough. The squeal goes away within about 5 to 10 seconds after starting. Just enough to wake other campers in the morning.
Re: Fan belt slipping when cold
Skater is correct mine did the same thing. Its a little embarrassing at the campground been there done that. With time the rubber gets hard and slips just enough to get some unwanted attention. A new set of belts will cure the problem. Pull the air cleaner its not to difficult to get to everything and you might as well put a new idler pulley on while your in there. If I remember correctly I needed a third had for the alternator side.
Good luck
Dennis
Sent from my SM-J727T1 using Tapatalk
Good luck
Dennis
Sent from my SM-J727T1 using Tapatalk
- baggydew
- Weekend Camper
- Posts: 86
- Joined: Mon May 26, 2008 12:00 am
- B190 Year: 1994
- WBCCI: 0
- Location: Columbus Mississippi
Re: Fan belt slipping when cold
Thanks everyone. The smaller belt was slightly loose. The one w/o the tensioner. I tightened it at the alternater which is mounted by two bolts, a 1/2 and a 9/16 th.. a crowbar is necessary to adjust the alternator housing while tightening the bolts. That fixed the problem. The belts both were in good shape. Appreciate the help.