GO_BLUE_VETTES

Had a Dayco belt from Advance Auto on the car, replaced in fall 2011, probably 5 track weekends and 1000 street miles on it. Belt has failed not by snapping, but by peeling apart longitudinally. Half the width is still there and the belt still turns...
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/d...earchTerm=belt

Option #1 - OEM AC Delco
Option #2 - Goodyear Gatorbak
Option #3 - Gates "blue racing" betl

I've not heard of Gates before, anyone have any experience? Thanks!

E-Emmons

My dayco belt did the exact same thing, did a number to the hood liner. I replaced mine with a gatorbak and no issues. I also replaced the tensioner pulley and idler for preventative maintenance. Both had a lot of play in them

ErnieN85

Gatorback is real good mine usually get change out after about 80,000 never had one fail.
That said next time I'll get the gates blue it looks tougher
and gates has a better rep.

RX-Ben

I've used Gatorbacks and Daycos on the track with no problem.
Gates is a mega huge company. The racing belts look very nice (though the one you posted is the wrong item). They make one for an OEM C5/C6 setup but unfortunately it does not look like they make something like a 78.5" version (like if you have a 10% underdrive damper).

travisnd

Make sure your crank pulley isn't walking off. Belt failure is usually a symptom.

brkntrxn

A bad tensioner will allow a belt to walk and get cut.

I have a Dayco on the Z06, but I really like Gates belts as well.

GO_BLUE_VETTES

Is there a way to test for the tensioner going bad?



Should that be a concern in a stock LS6 motor?

GO_BLUE_VETTES

good catch. thank you. Looks like Gates K060802 is the correct application and they don' make a "blue" one for a 2002 LS6

GO_BLUE_VETTES

I've also got a slight weeping power steering fluid leak that is coming off the cooler area in front of the motor. Could a little PS fluid on the belt or pulleys cause it to slip and degrade?

travisnd

Crank pulley shouldn't be an issue for a stock, untouched motor with the original crank bolt but it's good to check.

RedLS1GTO

Usually if a belt fails, especially a lower mileage belt as in this case, it happens for a reason other than the belt itself.

I would pull the tensioners and replace them. It's relatively cheap, easy insurance. I'd also take a very good look at everything else for possible runout.

GO_BLUE_VETTES

I did a quick visual with the half chewed up belt in place. From an uncalibrated eyeball, nothing looked out of place.

After I get the new belt on, I'll crank the motor and look for runout.

Tensioner brand? AC Delco? Gates? Other aftermarket?

brkntrxn

On the tensioner, look and see if it is not holding the belt tight at idle and through the rpm band. Also during hard revs and let offs... Simulate a gear change. It may appear to be good to you, but the spring can weaken and allow some slack in the belt which allows it to walk on the pulleys.

The OEM tensioner is not a bad choice, but the Katech manual tensioner is pretty much the last one you will buy.

Supercharged111

My Gatorback did that and I replaced with Dayco, more due to availability. My plastic idler pulley came undone and cut the belt damn near in half. Didn't have a clue until the post-trackday inspection.

sleeper02Z06

Tensioner!

RX-Ben

katech tensioner or GATES Part # 38328 (LS3 tensioner)

froggy47

Gator back best belt I ever used.

liquidforce917

I had the exact same thing happen. Belt cut itself in half, leaving pieces parts as well as half of the belt untouched.
I went to advance and replaced the belt (advance auto brand) and everything is been good since!

SouthernSon

[QUOTE=brkntrxn;1586562073......
The OEM tensioner is not a bad choice, but the Katech manual tensioner is pretty much the last one you will buy.[/QUOTE]

True dat. Have had mine several years with no problems. Torque tension to 25 pounds, tighten and forget it.

RX-Ben

Well, don't forget it. You should check it occasionally to make sure it hasn't slipped.