belt problems

[sj28henry]

I have a 98 voyager 3.3l with a/c and the belt broke on me last week. The belt that the auto parts store has listed is too long. I found one that fit but I think it still has too much slack in it. The power steering is not working along with the alternator. I jumped it off and got it started, but when I disconnected the cables, it shut off immediately. If anyone else with the same van as me can help me by providing me with the belt number along with a diagram(there's not one on the van anywhere and I've check the auto zone website and can't find anything) it would be a great help. I'm pretty sure that I have it one right but need to make sure. Help me, please!!!

[Mrbizness1]

I've had good luck with Dayco belts and pulleys. A couple of years ago I kept losing 2 dealer installed Mopar belts when driving in the rain. The Dayco fixed the problem.
This site will give you the belt info and a routing diagram. I found it easier to put the belt on everything but the idler. Then pull down on the tensioner and slip it over the idler pulley.
Good Luck


http://www.daycoproducts.com/
Just click on the application / interchange

[sj28henry]

thanks

[fallen4shell]

I would check, double check, and then triple check your routing diagram (should be one under the hood somewhere). I have seen parts stores list the wrong belt for an application, but it is VERY rare. Usually if the listed belt does not fit it is because something was replaced(like the alternator) and had the wrong size pulley, or it is for the wrong engine altogether. If I were you I would write down the number from the belt and call a different parts store and get them to look it up for a different brand belt...then ask them to see if the number on the belt you have crosses over to their number. If it does then chances are you have the correct belt but it is just not routed correctly. I have done this plenty of times before and raised hell because I could not get the right parts only to be embarrased later to admit I was putting the thing on wrong.

By the way, if I read your post right it is important to note that the age old test where you take the battery cable loose with the engine running is NOT A VALID TEST for these newer vehicles. Most of them require the battery to be hooked up for the vehicle to run, whether the alternator is good or not. And you can actually damage the computer or other sensative electrical parts by disconnecting the battery while the engine is running...I would reccommend not doing it anymore.