Fan Belt Problem

[Traian]

I tried to install my new fan belt today but I've run into some problems. I routed the belt according to this diagram from real oem:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HE63&mospid=47410&btnr=11_1238&hg=11&fg=18

and tightened the tensioner, but the belt is really loose. Even more loose than the old belt which was cracked and squealing like a stuck pig. I called the dealer and they confirmed it was the right part number:

11 28 1 469 255 (which superceded 11 28 1 702 898).

I started up the engine anyway and the belt just coiled itself around the fan. I routed it the same way again and once again it is very very loose. Any ideas? Thanks!

[632 Regal]

Sure you tightened the tensioner so it will get tighter?

[Bill R.]

thishttp://www.bimmernut.com/%7Ebillr/images/m60alternator2.jpg




I tried to install my new fan belt today but I've run into some problems. I routed the belt according to this diagram from real oem:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HE63&mospid=47410&btnr=11_1238&hg=11&fg=18

and tightened the tensioner, but the belt is really loose. Even more loose than the old belt which was cracked and squealing like a stuck pig. I called the dealer and they confirmed it was the right part number:

11 28 1 469 255 (which superceded 11 28 1 702 898).

I started up the engine anyway and the belt just coiled itself around the fan. I routed it the same way again and once again it is very very loose. Any ideas? Thanks!

[Traian]

Hmm I can lift the belt clean off any of the pulleys a couple of inches. It's waaaay off, and as far as I can tell the adjuster is all the way.

Here's a pic Bill R posted in another post:
http://www.bimmernut.com/%7Ebillr/images/belt.jpg

Is this correct? This is exactly how I installed my belt BUT, the smaller pulley in the centre of the photo (the one just right of the crank) does not look the same in my car. It is just a little round metal knob with a groove in it. Is it supposed to have some plastic thing around it, as in the the photo? This would probably make up for the extra slack. But it sure would be weird. I searched around the engine bay for such a 'part' and found none. Also, I can't tell what it would be on realoem.

[Traian]

Hmm, I looked at my pdf of the M60 engine, and it too looks like Bill's diagram and the one from real oem, with a big pulley just to the right of the crank. Mine is a small metal knob, held by a bolt inside. What could possibly have happened?

The massive squealing started while on the road under mild acceleration very abruptly, but the belt had been noisy for quite a few days before that. Could some piece have fallen out? That seems very weird, because the bolt holding in that pulley is still there and tight.

[yaofeng]

The idler in the center of the picture should have a plastic wheel and the outside should be smooth. The crank drives the water pump, the alternator and the PS pump. These four have grooved pulleys. The remaining two pulleys in the center are idlers and they are smooth plastic on the outside.

[632 Regal]

sounds like you blew an idler off or something, pictures?

[Traian]

Thanks for the replies! Yes that lower idler does not have the plastic piece on mine. I am going to the dealer now to pick it up...$101!!!! egads!!!! That's on top of the $55 for the belt....

[yaofeng]

There are alternatives..The idler is $28.25 from the link below. And the belt is $29.54.

http://www.bmw-auto-parts-dealer.com/

[Traian]

Ok, new belt and pulley in place, no more noise!

Thanks for the links. The prices I posted are CAD, and include taxes and the whole deal. With shipping from the US and customs fees and all, sometimes even great deals are not so good. But here it's good Friday tomorro and Easter Monday, so I wouldn't get anything before Tuesday and I wanted to be back on the road for the weekend :D