How Often to change Belt & Hoses ?

[CAJUN C4]

What is the Time / Mileage to change the Serpentine Belt and all Coolant Hoses.I have a 95' with 58K & 96' with 38K.

 

[Hib Halverson]

So much of that stuff is also dependant on duty cycle.

I have a 95 ZR-1 with original hoses but replacement serpentine, however, the OE drive belt is stored and is still good.

One thing that has extended the life of all the hoses on my 95 is that 1) It's garaged when not in use and 2) the engine is modified to reduce coolant temperature which, of course, reduces underhood temps.

I would set that my 13 years for the original hoses would be a bit long for a car that does not get that type of care.

On your 95 and 96, if the belts are original, I'd replace them. Also, on belts, the Goodyear Gatorback line of drive belts is a better choice that stock or OE replacement.

As for hoses, I'd check each one. Hoses that are cracked, are hard or are too soft need to be replaced. Obviously any that have bulges, are seriously discolored or have cuts or slices in them should also be replaced.

Stick with major brands of hoses, ie: stock GM, Gates or Goodyear.

 

[CAJUN C4]

The 95' Belt Broke Yesterday. $75.00 for a Flat bed Tow Truck.

I will change the 96' this Weekend and feel all the hoses etc.

Thanx Hib

 

[G Winter]

Something a lot of people forget is the heater, throttle body , and thermostat bypass hose if there is one . Three yrs ago when I bought my 90 it had the original heater hoses on it. I replaced every hose except the oil cooler hoses at the oil cooler. I plan to do that soon. Hib is right about heat cylcles being important, time and light are also factors. Rubber does dry out from light exposure. I used to replace hoses and belts every three yrs , I have now stretched that to five. It seems in recent yrs hose and belt quality has improved.

A little preventive maintenance is cheap compared to being stalled out on the road.

Glenn

 

[JimBobC4]

One thing that has extended the life of all the hoses on my 95 is that 1) It's garaged when not in use and 2) the engine is modified to reduce coolant temperature which, of course, reduces underhood temps.

What modifications did you do to reduce the underhood temps ?

 

[LT4man]

I no longer have the Throttle Body coolant hose.

I have a 160 degree thermostat with my coolant fans coming on much sooner than stock settings. On a 100 degree day, I never run over 195 degree coolant temperature. On an 80 degree day, I run between 178-185 degrees coolant temperature. Oil temperature runs between 200-210 no matter what the ambient temperature.

I have almost 100,000 miles on my LT4 and every other coolant hose is original.

I am on my second serpentine belt replacement.

SAVE THE

 

[CAJUN C4]

LT4 Man

What Temp. did you Program to turn the Fans on?

I Might go with a 160 T.S. in Both.

 

[LT4man]

pcmforless.com calibrated my fan on-off temps. I am not sure what numbers they used specifically. I would send Brian an email and ask him what he recommends for the 160 degree stat. He is a great guy and will respond to your query quickly.

SAVE THE

 

[CharlesBrown]

Check the underside of the serpentine belt. Look for cracks, exposed cord, or anything else that was not there when the belt was new. Finding none...belt should be okay.

 

[Paul Higg]

Watch out for the engine coolant temp sensor when you replace it! A previous owner broke the plastic plug clean off, mine was connected only by the tightness of the female pins.

Paul

The 95' Belt Broke Yesterday. $75.00 for a Flat bed Tow Truck.

I will change the 96' this Weekend and feel all the hoses etc.

Thanx Hib