Alternator Belt Replacment

[Fin4]

So while I was driving back from South Dakota my 77 Argosy 28ft MH's alternator belt broke. Luckily my battery was charged and I was able to drive back without an issue. I'm now home and need to replace the belt. How difficult is it to replace the alternator belt on the MH? Is there a diagram around that shows which pulleys the belt goes around and how the belt Is suppose to go? Anyone changed one out on the argosy before? Anyone know of any parts that need to come off before installation and the best way of going about it, underneath the vehicle or through the doghouse? Thanks Cheers

[Fin4]

The engine is a Chevy 454 on a P30.

[Fin4]

Anyone know the length of the alternator belt that fits the '77 Argosy 454? Part number? Maybe its listed in the manual, that I don't have.

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by Fin4

Anyone know the length of the alternator belt that fits the '77 Argosy 454? Part number? Maybe its listed in the manual, that I don't have.

Have you checked the classic motorhome thread that is a sticky (stays at the top) of the classic motorhome section? That has all the part numbers etc for general replacement parts.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by martin300662

Have you checked the classic motorhome thread that is a sticky (stays at the top) of the classic motorhome section? That has all the part numbers etc for general replacement parts.

The good news is the alternator belt is the last of the three belts that you install which means you don't have to remove any of the other belts to install it. The bad news is it's still no fun to install.

I'm not sure if the belt lengths for a 454 Argosy have been entered yet in the sticky thread. Maybe I should have done that with Peanut's belts

I won't guarantee these belts will work on your Argosy but they work fine on Peanut which is a 77 Argosy 454 with the original style of A/C compressor and original size alternator.

Gates 7630 - AC compressor belt
Gates 7405 - Power Steering pump belt
Gates 7460 - Alternator belt

If you're replacing all three belts then replace them in the following order:

Note: I would suggest getting all three belts in place before you do any tensioning.

1st belt - (7405) PS to Crank (Tension PS pump first using 1/2" ratchet connected to top of PS pump bracket)

2nd - (7630) A/C to PS to Crank to WP (Tension after PS pump has been tensioned, Tension via long screw on top of A/C compressor pump mount)

3rd - (7460) Alt to WP to Crank (Tension Alternator via top mounting bracket, Reminder: Lower alternator pivot bolt is accessible form underneath right front wheel well)

Since you're going to be in the doghouse and underneath the motorhome replacing the alternator belt I'd highly recommend you replace all three belts while you're in there.

Ignore the numbers on the diagram below. No sure what they are for but the layout of the belts is correct. Also ignore the smog pump, your Argosy shouldn't have one



Brad

[Fin4]

Got the belts changed out. Thank you to everyone who replied! Brad awesome instructions! They were right on!!!

[GWallace]

Now that you know the correct numbers, purchase a second set and carry them with you. Even though Autozone and O’Reilly carries those belts, when you need one they won’t have it in stock.
Another item to carry is the ignition module in the original GM HEI distributer. Only use an original GM/Delco or the higher quality (higher cost) one from NAPA.
In the long run, cheap insurance.

Gregg

[bkahler]

Good deal. I'm glad the instructions made enough sense to help out