serpentine belt

P38 4.0.L petrol

Is there a test that can be done to see if the serpentine belt is knackered or is it just a time replacement item ?

look for cracks on the raised sections, ribs, if you see any, change it. change the pulleys at the same time. if you have the plastic idler (later THOR engine), they are prone to seizing up and shredding the belt. own experience.

or, wait till it goes then have a bigger bill to worry about. i think they should be changed at regular intervals, i could well be corrected on this.

Is this an easy job to do, mine looks like it could do with a change.

You need a 15mm spanner to slacken the sprung idler. I found a standard spanner too short to move it without an extension so cut a spanner in half and welded a length of steel to both ends. Now its a very easy job. Also replaced the plastic idler with a metal one.
I also always carry a spare, even if its a part worn one. There are different lengths for the original 4.0 and 4.6 engines and the Thor engine so check your vin to get the correct one. There is also one for non air/con engines.

i think when mine went, it took no more than 30 minutes with changing the pulleys as well. just remember which way you removed it. it has a very specific way of going back on!

which engine version have you got? gems or thor?

Cheers guys,

Mine's a 4.6 Thor (2002). Seems like the plastic idler is problematic. Will check to see what ive got on mine. Where's the best place to get replacements?

n18rks said:

P38 4.0.L petrol

Is there a test that can be done to see if the serpentine belt is knackered or is it just a time replacement item ?

Click to expand...

allowance is 10 cracks per inch across the whole width of the belt, anymore and it needs replacement,

rangerovertoy said:

allowance is 10 cracks per inch across the whole width of the belt, anymore and it needs replacement,

Click to expand...

I would say if you see ANY cracks on the grooved side of the belt, it is time to change .It only takes one crack to break and its costing you a fortune for the price of a belt and less than an hours work.
Ed

martynv8 said:

Cheers guys,

Mine's a 4.6 Thor (2002). Seems like the plastic idler is problematic. Will check to see what ive got on mine. Where's the best place to get replacements?

Click to expand...

you can get them from island 4x4, jls in willenhall, most places. get the upgraded steel pulley at the same time, it comes on the adjuster, should cost around £25 for the belt, £45 for the adjuster pulley, and about £15-£20 for the steel pulley

i'll put the diagram for the 4.6 thor with A/C for you.

cheers for this fella.

Will be my next job. Just got back from having new front tyres...what a difference that made

martynv8 said:

cheers for this fella.

Will be my next job. Just got back from having new front tyres...what a difference that made

Click to expand...

not a problem.

did make 1 mistake, the pulley on the adjuster is plastic! its the bugger underneath which is now metal. the idler. thats the 1 that went on mine. but i changed them all to be on the safe side. adjuster included.

heres what was left of mine.

Jeez, thats a mess!
Just ordered from Island...will give me something to do this weekend. Do you have to take the fan off to replace the belt?

no, it is a bit tight though. i only removed the top cowl that clips on.

found the best way was to work from the bottom upwards. and dont forget the extra long 15mm spanner on the adjuster to move it enough to slip the help over the last pulley. i had to hook 2 spanners together, it was quite hard to push but managed it. that part is prob better with another pair of hands. you'll soon know which way it has to go to slacken the belt. from drivers wing to passenger wing.

if you have a good selection of spanners and sockets with 2" extentions, you should just clear the blades on the fan.

if just replacing the idler pulley, you can get away with just a spanner.

cheers.

Looking forward to tackling this. My indie has emptied the contents of my wallet this month

from what i can remember, it cost me about £110 for all the pulleys and the belt. but if youre changing the plastic to metal upgrade, should be no where near that cost. and only about 30 minutes of work. no need saving any bolts, they come with the new pulley.

I've ordered 2 belts from Island (1 for spare) but they only have the Britpart tensioner pulley, is this ok? Just i've heard nothing but rubbish about Britpart

martynv8 said:

I've ordered 2 belts from Island (1 for spare) but they only have the Britpart tensioner pulley, is this ok? Just i've heard nothing but rubbish about Britpart

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I wouldn't waste your money, I'd trust the old one more than I would trust a new ****part one.

Cheers Datatek.

Cant seem to find any other make anyway.

i only had to change my tensioner because the belt took a chunk of plastic out of the pulley. you cant buy that part seperate. cant remember the name but i am sure it was OEM.

sas1810 said:

you can get them from island 4x4, jls in willenhall, most places. get the upgraded steel pulley at the same time, it comes on the adjuster, should cost around £25 for the belt, £45 for the adjuster pulley, and about £15-£20 for the steel pulley

i'll put the diagram for the 4.6 thor with A/C for you.

Click to expand...

is the 4.0 the same as the 4.6 ? also which pulley(s) on the diagram are you referring to ?