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Automatic Belt Tensioner Upgrade – How to
As described in a previous post I was having trouble with the manual alternator belt tensioning system. It was shredding belts way too frequently. In the end I decided to upgrade to the automatic belt tensioners that came with engines 6R392714 (beginning 1998) and newer. In case someone else decides to go this route, here is what I did.
Spending some quality time with the parts book I was able to identify that Detroit is actually offering a complete upgrade kit part #23527060 ($1340). It contains all the parts needed to upgrade including the belt, new idler pulley assembly, new tensioner mounting plate, the tensioner and bolts and one O-ring.
Here is what the back of the engine looks like with the old tensioner hardware and the oil fill and cam shaft cover plates removed (sorry about the pic orientation)
Here are all the new pieces mounted.
Took about an hour to install. Only normal tools required although 1/2 and 3/4 inch breaker bars help.
Runs very smoothly. I look forward to no more belt issues.
PS: I tried moving the oil fill cover over to the blank cover like the newer engines have but the belt was almost touching the oil filler.
I think there is a revised fill cover that gives better clearance. I left the fill cover off for the time being since I can easily fill via the oil reservoir.
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13 Replies
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Turn the oil fill one more turn and it won’t hit I am sure try it, it should be more up to the top that’s what mine looked like hard to tell from pics!!!!
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Nice! Looks really sweet. I thought I was the only one without an air operated belt tensioner.
Yes, the oil filler has been revised.
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Bryan,
Yes, that is the filler I’m looking for. When convenient could you please get the part number off the revised filler for me? I have tried to look it up but no luck.
Peter, I tried rotatiing the old one, but it is just too big
Gerald
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Sorry mine must have being the revised one sorry
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Gerald, the part number looks like 23517439. I’m not near the bus but by blowing up that picture I got the number. I’m 90% sure its correct. If that doesn’t work, try 23517489. It is one or the other.
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There is the oil filler for $50 listed on this site:
http://www.rydemore.com/used-parts/
Put the part nember 23517439 in the KEY WORDS block and hit search and viola (that’s French for Wowser)
Looks great, should make life a lot simpler.
Fred
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Fred and Bryan, thanks for the number! Gerald
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Gerald,
Following your repair adventure I know sometimes its hard to open your wallet. The upgrade will be trouble free from now on and one less thing to worry about.
I think we have all had our share of repair cost verse dependable operation. Appreciate the posting along with pictures.
AL
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DKO,
How did you flip the pictures? They showed the right side up on my PC (Photoshop Elements). Once I saw that they were upside down in the post, I even (pre)rotated them on the PC befre downloading them, but they still showed upside down in the post. Must have something to do with Prevost Community host software interpreting the iPhone picture metadata.
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I upload pics all the time with my iPad and iPhone with no issues.
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How did you flip the pictures?
I opened each image in a new window and then copied that image into the “My Pictures” folder on a Widows 7 laptop. I rotated them there so I could see them right side up. From there I decided to see if they would post that way in your thread. They did so I left them. Computers rarely do what I think I tell them to do so I am always thrilled when they obey.
Davy
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Good Job Threegreens! Who needs an oil filler there anyway……..
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