1997 Dodge Caravan Serpentine Belt Off

DODGE CARAVAN
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I have a 1997 Dodge caravan v-6-181 3.0 L. about 125,000 miles...recently serpentine belt broke...had it replaced...2 days later off again..put back on...8 days later belt off again...this time they tell me I needed the tensioner pulley (which I suspected)..had that done....guess what belt off again today...they tell me I can try a little shorter belt, but they also said the problem might be that I need a "timing cover gasket kit and valve cover gasket"...I would like another opinion...any help...would appreciate it...thanks
Mar 23, 2007 at 5:54 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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There is a kit that napa has that resolves this problem. It consists of a belt that is grooved on both sides and an Idler pulley and tensioner that is grooved instead of smooth.
Mar 24, 2007 at 12:25 AM

Suggested Repair

Install the NAPA kit that includes a belt grooved on both sides plus a grooved idler pulley and tensioner instead of a smooth setup.

Conversation Summary

A 1997 Dodge Caravan 3.0L owner says the serpentine belt keeps coming off after replacement and after a tensioner pulley was replaced. The shop suggested a slightly shorter belt or a timing cover and valve cover gasket kit. An expert says a NAPA kit with a double-sided grooved belt and grooved idler and tensioner resolves this problem.

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