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Cat 3126e Broken Serpentine Belt
I already posted this in iRV2 and thought this Winnie owners group might also get some use from it perhaps...
Pulling into a RV park noticed the 'Overheating' idiot light flash on and soon after the temp gauge was near the MAX mark. Turned out that the serpentine belt was broken. Further inspection showed that the A/C compressor was seized up. Given that the engine is an '02, decided it was time to take care of the general maintenance issues too. After all was completed, have some p/n's & pointers for anyone else who might have this issue with their Cat 3126e, 330HP, rear radiator.
Serpentine belt P/N: Gates #K080716HD; Napa #25-08716HD; 72 & 1/8"; 8-groves $84
Water pump belt P/N: Gates #25-9341; MBH 9341 (Cat p/n so everyone has it $25)
(Purchased a Non-HD Serpentine: Gates #K080716 $52- just to speed up the work, also ordered the HD)
Tensioner: Gates #38511 ($125)
Compressor: MRY 58616 (direct replacement from O'Reilly's $335)
Tools and other: $25
Some of the problems I ran into:
1) The first compressor I got turned out to be wrong. It was based off the original p/n TAMA Mfg TM-1-16HD. But it just didn't fit. The 2nd one I got from O'Reilly's and it was an exact fit and had a removable manifold like the original - which helped installation a great deal. The mechanic said there just wasn't room for the first one I'd brought plus it has a fixed manifold making installation impossible. He couldn't tell that until he'd tried to install it.
2) The serpentine belt number I ordered I found in a iRV2 thread. Turned out to be wrong. It was 71 & 1/2" long when the one I actually need is 72 & 1/8". Two of the 3 parts stores I went to didn't carry stock, but one of them had the non-HD (Heavy Duty) belt. So I bought that one to save a day, and ordered the HD and I'll carry that one in a vacuum pack.
3) Threading the belt can be difficult for one person, but not impossible and can be done from the bottom or top of the engine. With two people, it's easy.
4) The old Tensioner was in pretty poor shape. May have been what caused the A/C bearings to break apart and jamb the compressor's idler.
5) Checked other rotating parts, fan hub and belt idler, and everything was smooth. Fan wasn't damaged when the belt broke and the belt was found in the engine compartment. No numbers left on it though, all scuffed off.
6) Neither compressor came with the connector that would mate to the chassis connector so have to remove that from the old compressor and attach to the new.
I cleaned the engine compartment with Simple Green - Purple the day before working on this to make it more pleasant to work on.
Had the work done at Vinnie's Auto in downtown Parker, Arizona. Vinnie accepted my help so there were 2 people working on this for threading the serpentine belt and holding a flashlight. Nearly all the work was done by the mechanic lying on his back underneath on a sloped driveway. Lost track of actual work time but was charged for 3.5 hours plus shop supplies. Came to $298 and I was very happy with that, mainly because I trust the tech. Really knew what he was doing IMO. I was the gofer parts guy...
I didn't have the A/C recharged as the mechanic discouraged that, reason is obscure to me. Took too long or something, too much freon, needed a flush? Since I plan on visiting Mexico next year, I'll do it down there. Meanwhile, mechanic added oil and I left the electric connection disconnected so the compressor won't be switched on accidentally.
The parts came to $646, shop charge $298, for a total: $944.
It did add a week to my trip but, it was worth it to get it done at a shop where you feel you were treated fairly. Got lucky with that point. Rig has 84,000 on it. I forgot to have the tech grease the fan hub. I'll do that later.
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