Took a look at my serp belt tonight, it appears it has stretched beyond it's service limit. Inspection for the belt is around 30k, and sure enough it needs one. Question here is...Do you guys think the factory belt is a specialty high strengh/speed belt because of the 9k nature of the engine? Or will a goodyear gator available at the local auto parts suffice? personally I like OEM. Here's a pic of the serpintine belt tensioner reference marks. I've drawn a blue line on them for clarity. The double lines on the left are the reference marks. The single line on the right is supposed to be in the middle of the reference marks...

 

Billman, I can't say that Iv'e ever looked directly at the marked wear indicators on the autotensioner. I can tell you that I work on several high mile 00 S2k's (80k+) that are still on there original drive belts. No slipping or cracking of the inner ribs of the belt. The autotensioner still has travel left to tension the belt, I'd keep your original belt, a new one is going to do the same stretching the original has.


I've seen Isuzu belts crack and slip under 30k, but haven't had any probs out of OEM Honda belts until 90K+.

 

Billman, I never even looked at those reference marks. I guess I'll have to check it out as my car has passed the 30K miles mark. I'm inclined to just keep it if it looks in good order and as long as there is still movement left in the tensioner. I purchased a Goodyear belt at the local autoparts store that I keep as a standby when I travel long distances. I've always considered that Goodyear made good belts.

 

Xviper, Considering what an absolute b*tch it is to change the stock belt with a Vortech, I'd leave it on untill 6yrs, 90k, or untill it starts making some noise. I bet it will be just fine.

 

I know exactly what you're saying.
I'm going to watch those belts carefully and keep the correct tension on the S/C belt and hope those suckers last forever. Yeah, yeah, I'm a dreamer. For sure, though, if one needs changing, both are going to get changed.

ps. Do ya think the old "panty hose" trick will work for these?

 

I've just completed my 60,000 mile multi-point inspection. My marks are right along with yours. The belt looks fine though, so I'll leave 'er on for now. I will use the Gucci, OEM replacement belt when the time comes.

 

i think your belt is fine. according to the helm manual, when the single reference mark is past (to the left of in your photo) of the double marks with the engine off or running, its time to replace the belt, and since you are to the right of the marks, you are fine.

 

I would LOVE to have those wrapped around my ........ er ......... nevermind.

(Sorry billman. Couldn't help myself.)

 

I never knew that those wear indicators were there--good info Billman!

Serpentine belt isn't very difficult to replace with the Comptech.

 

No way. The single line I drew can only move to the right as the belt wears. It started in between the lines.