Serpentine Belt

Depending on how close I am to a truck stop or rest area, I would force the rules into a slightly more flexible configuration, go to that stop (within 15 miles) and take a straight 10 from where I am at this moment. And be on duty the whole time??? Pshaw! My on duty time ended with notification to On-Road. My assistance is no longer needed. The mechanic can replace that belt without help from me, so I will stay my sorry, tired butt in the sleeper.




But that's just me.

 

yes --i sure wouldnt stay on the side of the road--just asking for troublw--use the force and make it some place safe

 

Get On-Road on the phone and find out what they want you to do. Stress the fact you are not in a safe place and let them make the call. That way, you will not be stuck with the bill.

I'm trying to remember what could be damaged by driving the truck 12 miles without the belt and am coming up blank. The only thing is you will be using battery power without replenishing it from the alternator. When you get there, no electricity even for the Webasto heater. That motor should be able to run without juice, though.

Where are our experts when you actually want them for something besides bashing a company?

 

It took me 7??,no,8 hrs to figure out how to put the ol serpintine belt on a 2002 Mack in the desert in Utah 4 years ago.....What was I talkin about....? True story though..

 

You can drive the truck for 2-3 miles from a cold engine. Enough to get it off the road. The truck will shut down before it overheats. It has a safety shut down to keep you from blowing it up. You even have an override if you need another couple hundred feet. Read the owners manual if you don't know how.

Usually there is a belt routing diagram under the hood. If not, remember smooth side of belt to smooth pulleys and grooved side to grooved pulleys and the belt usually wraps 3/4 turn around the crank pulley. You can usually figure one out on a strange engine if you have to.

I don't know the extent of your pretrip, but the belt wear should be high on your list. Belts give you plenty of warning to be broke down from it. The first signs of cracking on the grooved sides, replace it. Belts are a good item to keep with you.

It is possible to take the old belt to an auto parts store if one is nearby. There are many long ones on some cars and they might match you up a temporary one to get you to a truck stop or shop. Cheaper than a tow. Someone hits you on the side of the road, you risk a lawsuit.

 

Hey Condo....,if your not on the road yet..,you wanna come along with me???, I could use someone who knows how to turn a wrench,and really.......,who knows how to drive..... Look out people,comin thru.........

 

if you are going to move it--get going before it gets dark--dont use anymore lights than you have to for safety--try and not use anything that uses electricity--you will be fine for a bit--like condo said--it will shut down before it damages it self
your alternator wont be charging the batteries--so that will be a bigger concern than the overheat problem--but you should be able to go just on battery power for a awhile--
be safe and find a good place to park
if th4e mechanic is still there--get him to short belt it so the alternator will run

 

I'm shut down until March at least. I expect to get fired in the next couple weeks, then there goes the health insurance. I'm not sure how things are going to play out. I can't afford thousands out of pocket. You get thrown to the dogs when you get sick. Obama care! lol