Engine Description
Drive Belt System DescriptionThe drive belt system consists of the following components:
- The drive belt
- The drive belt tensioner
- The drive belt idler pulley
- The crankshaft balancer pulley
- The accessory drive component mounting brackets
- The accessory drive components
- The power steering pump, if belt driven
- The generator
- The A/C compressor, if equipped
- The engine cooling fan, if belt driven
- The water pump, if belt driven
- The vacuum pump, if equipped
- The air compressor, if equipped
The drive belt system may use 1 belt or 2 belts. The drive belt is thin so that it can bend backwards and has several ribs to match the grooves in the pulleys. There also may be a V-belt style belt used to drive certain accessory drive components. The drive belts are made of different types of rubbers- chloroprene or EPDM-and have different layers or plys containing either fiber cloth or cords for reinforcement.
Both sides of the drive belt may be used to drive the different accessory drive components. When the back side of the drive belt is used to drive a pulley, the pulley is smooth.
The drive belt is pulled by the crankshaft balancer pulley across the accessory drive component pulleys. The spring loaded drive belt tensioner keeps constant tension on the drive belt to prevent the drive belt from slipping. The drive belt tensioner arm will move when loads are applied to the drive belt by the accessory drive components and the crankshaft.
The drive belt system may have an idler pulley, which is used to add wrap to the adjacent pulleys. Some systems use an idler pulley in place of an accessory drive component when the vehicle is not equipped with the accessory.
Tools and Equipment
Special tools (or their equivalents) are specially designed to quickly, and safely accomplish the operations for which they are intended. The use of these special tools will also minimize possible damage to engine components. Some precision measuring tools are required for inspection of certain critical components. Torque wrenches and a torque angle meter are necessary for the proper tightening of various fasteners.
To properly service the engine assembly, the following items should be readily available:
- Approved eye protection and safety gloves
- A clean, well-lit, work area
- A suitable parts cleaning tank
- A compressed air supply
- Trays or storage containers to keep parts and fasteners organized
- An adequate set of hand tools
- Approved engine repair stand
- An approved engine lifting device that will adequately support the weight of the components