Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1987-10-14, Page 23THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987. PAGE 23. Today's fan belts no longer simple affairs Maps are always important to ensure that you always follow the simplest route or touch base with the important attractions along the way. The auto industry, in most cases, has been providing their own maps in recent years and failure to follow the maps correctly may leave you in dire straits. The maps are the route maps for the multi-grooved fan belts, some­ times referred to as serpentine belts because they snake around to every major belt-driven compo­ nent in the engine compartment. In the event that the plastic map decal has disappeared from its preferred location near the radia­ tor-fan shroud, it's best to check the car’s service manual and draw a new map for the belt stringing procedure. Knowing, too, that perfection is as yet an unattainable goal in the automobile assembly line, why not check to see that the fan belt map on your car actually traces the belt path on the engine. Changing the multi-grooved belts is not a too-frequent task because they tend to have a longer life than the separate belts for generator, air conditioner com­ pressor, power steering pump, emission air pump or water pump. When you do change the belts, however, there are some basic procedures to follow. The foremost is to remove the radiator fan shroud so you have enough room. Taking off four small bolts and providing ample work space beats scraped elbows and hands. The main component in most of the serpentine-belt systems is the belt tensioner pulley. As long as the top edge of the tensioner arm is between two inscribed index marks on the metal of the housing, then the proper tension is main­ tained. In other instances, even though there is a serpentine drive belt, normal tension checks must be made and some of the components adjusted. For example, on the air condi­ tioned versions of the 1988 Renault Medallion, there is a combination serpentine belt driving the water pump, alternator and air condition­ er compressor from the crankshaft pulley and a separate belt is driving the power steering pump from the crankshaft pulley. Thecontrast between the two belts on the Medallion is made more obvious by noting that a new serpentine belt requires between 180 pounds and 200 pounds tension, whereas a new conven­ tional belt’s tension is only be­ tween 100 poundsand 120 pounds. Used serpentine-belt tension can drop as low as 140 pounds while conventional belts plunge to 65 pounds. OnFord’s V6-232 engine, the serpentine belt is strung to all the belt-driven units and there is a tensioner pulley. The same applies to many other cars. When replacing the belt, those idle tension pulleys are backed off. General Motors manuals usually ask that the tensioner be rotated to release the tension, which allows you to remove the belt. Check all the pulleys, cleaning them with a wire brush if neces­ sary, paying special attention to the side walls of the pulley grooves, which handle most of the load. When buying a new belt, stick either tothe manufacturer’s re­ commendations or buy a beh with a well known brand name. Don’t look for bargain belts. Informative advertising helps lower the price of goods. a 2O •S u u H > 291-1300 APPLE 291-130 AUTO GLASS 190 MITCHELL RD. S. LIST0WEL 'Wuicli&ietclA w&ite, cfMc wait ©SUNROOFS © UPHOLSTERY © VINYL, CONVERTIBLE & BOAT TOPS © RUNNING BOARDS & BUG DEFLECTORS ©VAN ACCESSORIES © PLATE GLASS REPLACEMENTS . ©FREE MOBILE SERVICEk OUR SERVICE MAKES THE ^k DIFFERENCE a of town customers Phone Collect w IVERI.OHDEO TO MAKE ROOM FOR THE 1988'sWEMUST REDUCE OUR USED CAR INVENTORY 1985 HON DA PRELUDE oneowner, 5 speed manual trans, power sunroof, tilt steering, AM/FM cassette & more. Immaculate condition. Classic Sports Coupe. $12,750 1985 HONDA ACCORD LX SEDAN 4 cylinder, 5 speed, manual trans, AM/FM cassette radio & more. Finished in beige. Style and comfort at $9,750 so"3 $3,750 1982 DODGE OMNI 4 door hatchback, 4 cylinder, 4 speed manual trans, deluxe interior, two-tone paint silver & grey. Only29,OOOmiles. - V <*"*>■•. r„ ' A 4 ,1 J k1' answer. 1020 Wallace Ave. N. LISTOWEL HOURS: Mon.-Fri.8-9 Sat. till 5 ( PHONE:291-2490 1986 HONDA PRELUDE “SPECIAL EDITION” 2 door sports coupe, 5-speed manual trans, loaded, power sunroof, p. windows, p. mirrors, tilt steering, AM/FM cassette, aluminum sport rims, finished in red, like new, ‘ * balance of new car warranty’ ’.only 12,000 miles.$15,950 1985CHEVROLETCAVALIERtype10,2 door hatchback, one owner, 5-speed manual trans, cruise control, sport wheels, white-letter tires. Excellent condition. Only34,OOOmiles. v x >rt » E SALES - SERVICE - LEASING $7,350 </>> > O > Q H* X o 2 1