:wtf:

Had a "BP" incedent (oil spraying in the engine compartment). Cleaned it up - fixed the problem - all was fine. Then the I heard belt squeeling (how annoying).

The thought is the detergent / cleaners ruined the belts. So, I used some belt conditioner. Worked - okay - but then the noise returned.

So, I replaced the main belt. Seemed okay for a bit and then the noise came back.

So, now I replaced the AC belt (I had switched the AC off while driving but it still squeeled....)

Haven't run it yet but I did notice one thing. The AC tensioner seemed a little weak. I was able to put the AC belt on by hand.

So, the question is, how much tension should there be?

:givemebeer.sml:

Well I have never been able to put a belt on with just my hand so I would say right off the bat that you need more tension.
What happened anyhow?

Have the belt tension measured to determine if the tensioner is working properly.

Have the belt tension measured to determine if the tensioner is working properly.

How would I do that? I suspect the dealer would want more that the cost of a new part ($55 from gmpartsdirect) just to look at it....

:kngt:

Well I have never been able to put a belt on with just my hand so I would say right off the bat that you need more tension.
What happened anyhow?

Kinda a :doh:

Installed a FAST manifold and there are fewer PCV connections on it. So I re-worked the PCV venting. At the same time I installed an oil catch. A portion of the vent tubing had a semi-sharp bend, but at looked okay.....

Until things heated up. The hose softened and the bend turned into a kink - shutting off PCV venting. That lead to pressure rising in the crankcase (I saw the oil pressure rise rapidly and then drop back to normal). It popped the dipstick to relieve the pressure. But, the pressure was still not being vented so it started pumping oil up the dipstick tube....

:eek2:

Man... I am so sorry to hear that happened to you... Also, if you were able to move that tensioner with just your hand to install your belt...you should be looking to replace your tensioner. Hope it all works out for you soon... Stay safe... "Ricovette"

How would I do that? I suspect the dealer would want more that the cost of a new part ($55 from gmpartsdirect) just to look at it....

:kngt:Sometimes parts stores like Auto Zone & Advance Auto parts will do testing for free.

Gates 91107 Belt Tension Tester
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31XAQ05C4CL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Thanks...

Man... I am so sorry to hear that happened to you... Also, if you were able to move that tensioner with just your hand to install your belt...you should be looking to replace your tensioner. Hope it all works out for you soon... Stay safe... "Ricovette"

Cars running great now (except for the belt issue) - so overall the experience was fine......

:thumbsup3:

Cars running great now (except for the belt issue) - so overall the experience was fine......

:thumbsup3:
That's great to hear... :coffeetime: "Ricovette"

Try a gatorback belt from autozone. I have a 99 with the same problem. Are you certain that you are installing the belt properly, it's nearly impossible to put the belt on without a bar to pull the pulley back. Watch out for the dealership that will tell you that your harmonic balancer is wobbling. That's what they told me about mine and unfortunately for them and fortunately for me I used to be a Chevy machanic so I know the tricks. There wasn't a damn thing wrong with my harmonic balancer(although they are made poorly and the plastic behind it is made to break) and I knew it. They just wanted to screw me so I balked and replaced the belt and never looked back. RAZORBACK ONLY!!

Are you certain that you are installing the belt properly, it's nearly impossible to put the belt on without a bar to pull the pulley back.

I used to be a Chevy machanic so I know the tricks. :eek2: The only trick is that you use a 15mm wrench, not a bar

:banana:

Yes, the 15mm combo wrench, and if you want to make it a 1/2 hour job instead of 2 hours, pull the idler off. Did mine yesterday, tens,idler and belt, 1/2 hour. The idler is the key trick here...

Try a gatorback belt from autozone. I have a 99 with the same problem. Are you certain that you are installing the belt properly, it's nearly impossible to put the belt on without a bar to pull the pulley back. Watch out for the dealership that will tell you that your harmonic balancer is wobbling. That's what they told me about mine and unfortunately for them and fortunately for me I used to be a Chevy machanic so I know the tricks. There wasn't a damn thing wrong with my harmonic balancer(although they are made poorly and the plastic behind it is made to break) and I knew it. They just wanted to screw me so I balked and replaced the belt and never looked back. RAZORBACK ONLY!!

I found the belt wasn't on the HB correctly. That AC belt is a b'tch !

I have a new HB (Trick Flow). Both of the belts are new Gates belts and it's still squeeling at low RPM.....

The accessory belt I can do in about 3 minutes flat, but the AC belt I just can't get 2 hands down there. had to put it up on ramps and get the tensioner from below.....

May have to go to AZ then. GatorBack or RazorBack ?

I am concerned that one of the idler pulleys is worn and maybe not turning well under tension. Possible?

Autozone doesn't list Gator / Razor back belts online.....

I found the belt wasn't on the HB correctly. That AC belt is a b'tch !

I have a new HB (Trick Flow). Both of the belts are new Gates belts and it's still squeeling at low RPM.....

The accessory belt I can do in about 3 minutes flat, but the AC belt I just can't get 2 hands down there. had to put it up on ramps and get the tensioner from below.....

May have to go to AZ then. GatorBack or RazorBack ?

I am concerned that one of the idler pulleys is worn and maybe not turning well under tension. Possible?

I had the same problem so this might help.. For some reason my pulleys were oily. I sprayed the pulleys with brake cleaner and wiped them off with a rag. That worked for me, made a little noise at first and then stopped. Clean the belt too while at it.

Yes, the 15mm combo wrench, and if you want to make it a 1/2 hour job instead of 2 hours, pull the idler off. Did mine yesterday, tens,idler and belt, 1/2 hour. The idler is the key trick here... :z1-2:

I can and have changed both belts in under 15 minutes
they are easy

:z1-2:

I can and have changed both belts in under 15 minutes
they are easy

That's pretty fast.

Found my Gators at Summit Racing. Autozone and Napa stopped carrying them, at least here in Northern Colorado.

That's pretty fast.

add 5 min if :beer-fresh:

:smilielol5:

add 5 min if :beer-fresh:

:smilielol5:

lmao!!