Serpentine belt tensioner

Hi,

I've a couple of questions about replacing the serpentine belt I'd appreciate help with.

I've decided its about time I replaced the serpentine belt on my P38a diesel. It looks like I should be able to feed the new belt between the fan and the fan cowling without having to take the fan off. Is this possible or am I being over optimistic?

Is there a recommended replacement interval for the belt tensioner on a P38 diesel? I only ask because on a previous car (not LR) I replaced the timing belt only to have the tensioner disintegrate.

Thanks in advance,
mike

Yes, you can feed the belt through without removing the fan. I did move the power steering reservoir out the way, giving more clearance for the lever bar on the tensioner

I'm not sure about tensioner replacement intervals, but I have no record of mine ever being changed and it's just about to hit 200k.

Hi Russ85,

Thanks for the reply which raises another question. How much tension should there be on the belt?

Thanks,
mike

mikeateves said:

Hi Russ85,

Thanks for the reply which raises another question. How much tension should there be on the belt?

Thanks,
mike

Click to expand...

The diesel has it's own self tensioner (looks like a little shock absorber) which keeps the tension ''correct'', leaver it back to remove the old belt, when the new one is fitted simply let the tensioner go and it should move back and tension the belt, it's dampened though so don't expect it to snap into place.
If the old tensioner pulley looks in good order, no noise from the bearing wheb spun, it's not at all 'wobbly' and doesn't sound dry, I'd leave it for a few thousand more miles

Hi Geekfreek,

Thanks for your reply.

mike

I'm about to do the same on my P38, but I wondered what you use to pull the tensioner back. Is their a tool generally available or do you have to make something up for it. My tensioner-ram was seized, which is the reason I was looking at the belt in the first place (the fan-belt was very loose & slipping). As soon as I removed the top bolt, I was able to release it & it now appears to be working, but i'll still replace it when I can get the part posted out to me in Spain.