Chrysler RAM TRUCK 2500 1994 Service Manual page 306

• COOLING SYSTEM 7 - 51
E N G I N E ACCESSORY D R I V E B E L T S
INDEX
page
Automatic Belt Tensioner 55
Belt Diagnosis 51
Belt Removal/Installation 51
page
Belt Schematics 51
Belt Tension
51
General Information 51
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 used to main­
tain correct belt tension at all times. Refer to Auto­
matic Belt Tensioner proceeding i n this group.
BELT DIAGNOSIS
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 i f i t has excessive wear, frayed cords
or severe glazing.
Refer to the Serpentine Drive Belt Diagnosis charts
for further belt diagnosis. Also refer to Automatic
Belt Tensioner proceeding i n 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. I f
anything differs between these schematics and
the Belt Routing Label, use the schematics on
Belt Routing Label. This label is located i n 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. I f specified 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.
I t is not necessary to adjust belt tension on any en­
gine. All engines are equipped with an automatic belt
NORMAL CRACKS
BELT OK
NOT NORMAL CRACKS
REPLACE BELT
J9Q07-44
Fig. 1 Serpentine Accessory Drive Belt Wear
Patterns
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 i n 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 . 9 L V-6 O R 5.2/5.9L V-8 LDC-GAS ENGINES
REMOVAL
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
tioning. For more information, refer to Automatic
Belt Tensioner, proceeding i n this group.