Daily and Weekly Maintenance
– 48 –
2. Engine Belt—check tension and
condition of belts per engine manu-
facturer’s Operation and Mainte-
nance Manual.
• Measure the belt tension at the
longest span of the belt.
• If cracks, breaks or tears are
found in any belt, the belt
should be replaced before
operating the vehicle.
Air conditioner compressor belt
(with optional air conditioning only) -
The best method of testing belt tension
is to apply a good quality commercial
gauge. If a tension gauge is not avail-
able, use this method of testing:
• Apply 25 pounds (111 N.) of force
midway between the pulleys.
• Deflection should be one belt thick-
ness for each foot distance
between the pulley centers.
Retensioning New Belts
A belt is considered “used” after 30 min-
utes of operation. After running for an
hour or more, new belts will loosen.
Check for proper tension after the first
period of operation. If the belt can be
deflected 1/8 in. (3 mm) more than
specified, tighten according to the
instructions above.
CAUTION: Do not tighten
belts beyond specified lim-
its. Damage to bearings
and belts may occur.
3. Fuel Filter/Water Separator Drain-
ing—check and drain. Depending
on the fuel storage facility, more
frequent draining may be required.
4. Windshield washer reservoir fluid
level—fill if necessary.
Chassis and Cab
Before entering the cab and operating
the vehicle, check the following equip-
ment for proper maintenance:
1. Lights—do headlights, turn signals,
emergency flashers, and exterior
lamps function and are they clean
and adjusted properly?
2. Windows and Mirrors—are they
clean and adjusted properly?
Tension Test
02953
PB1340A.book Page 48 Friday, September 1, 2000 7:40 AM
