Hi All,

I figured out how to gain access to the front of the motor to change the fan belts (Airstream 280 '82 454). I had read in one of the manuals that I have that the very front cover of the entire engine cover is to come off by removing four screws. I could not figure out where these screws were.

I know that my dad had this cover off before and I have seen it off. I just started pulling on the main engine cover and it all came to light! I think my dad has had this entire cover off many times and he never put the screws back in!

The four screws are down on the vertical sides of the very front part of the cover. This front piece lifts off with the radio attached; just unplug the radio connector and the antenna connector. Now I know why the radio did not get any reception...the antenna wire was unplugged.

There is a metal front panel that the main engine cover is hinged to. Just unscrew this cover and remove it. I know have good access to the front of the engine. I have left the main engine cover in place to use as a nice "bench" to lay on in order to reach into the front of the engine.

My dad always had problems with throwing this one belt. The belt has the exact "wear/tear" marks that a shop manual says will occur when a belt is loose and then it suddenly grabs. I know this was the problem...I heard the belt sqweeking before it broke.

continued...

...continued

I found a little bit of bad news while looking over the front of the engine. Someone (my dad, I'm sure), had removed the smog pump pulley. Of course this was done thinking that one would get a few more horsepower out of the engine. Bad news is, I will bet that this is contributing to the throwing of this belt even though my dad had used a smaller belt.

The real bad news is that without the smog pump "hooked" up, I will not be able to register the MH in California I'm sure!

In talking to my brother, who had helped my dad in the past replace this belt, stated that the bolt and washer on the alternator bracket would start to sink into the slot in the bracket and of course would make it very hard to tighten the belt and keep it tight. Hopefully I can fix that and end the belt problem.

On my way home, I stopped at a NAPA store and got another belt. I will install it on my next visit to the MH.

Thanks
Dean

Mystery solved, sot of. Nice pics! Good luck, keep us posted...

Update: fan belt installed. With the front part of the dog house removed, replacing the belt was fairly easy. It was easy to put tension on the belt as well with a long screw driver between the top bracket and the side of the alternator. Hopefully a larger flat washer and a lock washer on the top bolt will keep the alternator/belt tight. She started right up, ran great and no squeaky fan belt noise!

Hi! I need the correct #s for both the AC compressor belt and the alternator belt...the catalogs in the parts houses do not have a # for motorhomes...mine is an 86 345 and when I thru the belt it is no longer measurable for size...Thanks, Pete

I'm trying to get the Airstream registered in Calif so I need all the smog equipment hooked up and working. The smog pump (A.I.R) pulley was gone and a smaller fan belt was used.

The old smog pump was burned out due to bad check valves. So I replaced everything...

smog pump = $90
pulley = $12
bolts for pulley = lots of extra gray hair to find that the bolts are metric and then to simply find them!
Air control valve (see valve attached to pump in photo) = $260 - yes it was $260 bucks.
Check valves (qty 2) = $14 each

And of course the correct fan/alternator belt = $9

I got everything from NAPA. They are not that helpful, but I did most of the research on my own and used them as order takers (that is about all they are good for).

The NAPA belt number for the correct fan/alternator belt with A.I.R. pump is 15495. With the smog pump and correct belt on, there is no more squealing of the belt and I don't think I will be throwing belts any longer.

Now two things left to do. I have to figure out where the vacuum line from the smog pump air control valve hooks to the carberator/intake manifold and I have to get the rig smogged.

If anyone knows exactly where this vacuum line connects to, please let me know!

Dean

Dean I will look tomorrow on our '84 454 as to where it hooks up
Rick

Dean mine is plugged in at the base of the carb.
Rick

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE--A new start. A new president. A bunch of new friends. Good health and prosperity to all.
Steve.

Steve HAPPY NEW YEAR to yo and all of the great people here at This Old RV
Rick & Hope

Hi Rick, thanks for taking a look at where that vacuum line connects. I will check it out this weekend when I head up the mountain to the MH.

Thanks
Dean