That is a good point. I was going along with the idea that the belt was originally the proper length for the application. It is possible that someone gave you the wrong belt. I have been very disappointed with the quality of parts store counter men/women in many of the chain stores around me and wouldn't put it past them to pull the incorrect part off the shelf. Have you checked the part numbers against what it should be for your application? Or measured the length?

If you have a Goodyear Gatorback belt, it should have an outside length of 96.25" (effective length of 95.25") and carry part number 4060952.

 

I just went to rockauto.
They list multiple manufactor belts obviously.

Without Air, lengths vary from 87.01 inches to 87.625
With air, 95.08 to 96.625

THAT is a substantial difference! I didnt realize they would vary that much until i looked.

 

You have to look at how they are measured. Some list effective lengths while others list outside length all while not telling you which way the belt is measured.

 

Yeah, its belt, 4060952, I pulled it to double check (good thinking though). Length seems accurate. My belt noise varies so much, some times its really loud, and sometimes pretty quiet. Only thing consistent is with RPMs. So it is super hard to target.

The belt tensioner its working pefectly, its brand new.

It has to be, the water pump/bearing, ac clutch, or crank pulley.


Or maybe I just need another new gatorback.

Think I will start on Sat am, to pull the fan, and water pump pulley, so I can feel that water pump spindle directly. Right now it feels like it is moving okay, with a odd sound (not metallic more like rubber rubbing together). Going to post a video tonight of what it is like right now, and when it is fixed (hopefully) this weekend. For anyone else that has this issue.

Thanks fellas for your help, much appreciated!

 

What I did was try to catch the sound, when the engine is cooler, this way the belt is not drowning out the real issue?

I have the shroud off, and I am just going to do the water pump, and flush the coolant, etc. Its due @ 150K

Here is what I deal with a somewhat cool engine (110 degrees approx) and it gets worse as the truck warms up. Does this sound possibly like a bad water pump bearing or just shear belt noise, I can assure you its not the alternator, tensioner, pulley, and most likely not the ac. Really looks to be right under that water pump pulley (hence water pump bearing), Just thought some visuals would help. I know this is a lenghty thread, hopefully this well help others as well.

[youtube]YX-s78c4ayE[/youtube]

 

Try taking the cooling fan off and run the engine again. there wont be as many moving parts trying to kill you. It will be quieter to help you narrow in on the problem.

 

Well..... today, I pulled the shroud, fan, and wp pulley to notice the water pump was spinning fine (not a problem). Choose not to replace it, why if its ok? Next I put the old Gates belt on I had (originally) on and noticed the tenisioner was WAY tighter than my gatorback,..HUH?

So I called my local parts store, got a new gatorback, this time the part number ending in 50, .5 shorter.

When I pulled the old belt, it has a different tread pattern (the same gatorback pattern) just WAY different spacing. Very weird, wonder if I got a super old belt, or what

Put her on, 40 miles so far (super quiet), we will see!!!

Thanks for all your help guys,

 

Please let us know how it goes!