PSA: Check your fan belt tension before a long haul

I was rolling down I-80 outside of Des Moines last month when my temp gauge shot up to 240. Pulled over and found the fan belt was loose enough to slip. Tightened it up with a 1/2 inch ratchet and saved myself a blown head gasket. Anyone else had a belt get slack on a long run?

3 comments

3 Comments

oliviadixon17d ago

My old Ford F-150 did this to me on I-40 near Amarillo about two years ago. I was lucky I caught it before the engine overheated completely, just a random squeal that got worse. Usually belts loosen up after a fresh install, or if your alternator mount is slightly off. Also, heat cycles just degrade rubber over time (even if the belt looks fine to the eye).

sam53016d ago

Oh man, @oliviadixon, I feel that pain. A squealing belt on the highway is the worst kind of surprise, especially when you're miles from anywhere. Glad you caught yours in time, that's a lucky break right there.

willow73214d ago

Oh man, I feel this. My first long haul in my old truck I had a belt so loose it started squealing like a tortured cat right outside of Vegas (which was terrifying, honestly). I pulled over and tightened it with my Leatherman like a total hack, didn't even have a proper ratchet. Lucky I didn't snap the thing in half, I'm not exactly a mechanic.

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