Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 324

7 - 54 ENGINE ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS
B R
N G I N E
A C C E S S O R Y D R I V E B E L T S
INDEX
page
Automatic Belt Tensioner 58
Belt Diagnosis 54
Belt Removal/Installation 54
GENERAL INFORMATION
All vehicles are available with either a 3.9L V-6, a
5.2L V-8, two different 5.9L V-8 engines, an 8.0L V-10
or a 5.9L in-line 6 cylinder diesel engine.
The accessory drive components are operated by a
single, crankshaft driven, serpentine drive belt on all
engines. An automatic belt tensioner is also used to
maintain correct belt tension at all times. This is
used on all engines. Refer to Automatic Belt Ten­
sioner proceeding in this group.
BELT DiAiNOSiS
SERPENTINE DRIVE BELT DIAGNOSIS—ALL
ENGINES
When diagnosing serpentine drive belts, small
cracks that run across ribbed surface of belt from rib
to rib (Fig. 1), are considered normal. These are not a
reason to replace belt. However, cracks running along
a rib (not across) are not normal. Any belt with
cracks running along a rib must be replaced (Fig. 1).
Also replace belt if it has excessive wear, frayed cords
or severe glazing.
Refer to the Serpentine Drive Belt Diagnosis chart
for further belt diagnosis. Also refer to Automatic
Belt Tensioner proceeding in this group.
BELT SCHEMATICS
Refer to figures 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 for belt routing. The
belt routing schematics are published from the latest
information available at the time of publication. If
anything differs between these schematics and
the Belt Routing Label, use the schematics on
Belt Routing Label. This label is located in the en­
gine compartment.
BELT TENSION
ALL ENGINES
Correct accessory drive belt tension is required to
be sure of optimum performance of belt driven engine
accessories. If specific tension is not maintained, belt
slippage may cause; engine overheating, lack of
power steering assist, loss of air conditioning capac­
ity, reduced generator output rate and greatly re­
duced belt life.
It is not necessary to adjust belt tension on any en-
page
Belt Schematics . 54
Belt Tension
54
General Information 54
NORMAL CRACKS
BELT OK
NOT NORMAL CRACKS
REPLACE BELT J9007-44
Fig, 1 Serpentine Accessory Drive Belt Wear
Patterns
gine. All engines are equipped with an automatic belt
tensioner. The tensioner maintains correct belt ten­
sion at all times. For other tensioner information and
removal/installation procedures, refer to Automatic
Belt Tensioner proceeding in this group. Due to use
of this belt tensioner, do not attempt to use a belt
tension gauge on any engine.
BELT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
Caution: Do not attempt to check belt tension with
a belt tension gauge on vehicles equipped with an
automatic belt tensioner. Refer to Automatic Belt
Tensioner in this group.
3.9L V-6 OR 5.2/5.9L V-8 LDC-GAS ENGINES
REiOWAl
Drive belts on these engines are equipped with a
spring loaded automatic belt tensioner (Fig. 7). This
belt tensioner will be used on all belt configurations,
such as with or without power steering or air condi-