Was cruising home this evening and all of a sudden the cruise kicks off. I punch the button a few times with no result so I start re-scanning the gauges. Hmm, tach reads 0 RPM at 70 MPH. I double check the odometer since I've had problems with the speed sensor fall off before but the odometer is working. I also notice that my AC is getting warm and the volt gauge looks a bit lower that usual. OK, the PCM isn't operating; but why. Well, it's only 25 more miles home so I turn off any extra electrical loads and open the window and cruise on home without AC or cruise.

Once I get home, I pop the hood and notice a shred of fan belt on top of the valve cover. I know what that means and sure enough, the wiring is ripped out of the CPS. Just on a chance, I try the local parts stores and of course, they can't get it. A quick search on DTR tells me that it's a dealer item (and even gives me the part # - thanks DTR) so I'll call Cummins in the morning. In the mean time, I get the fan, fan shroud, and old CPS off.

Yes, it's aggravating that a belt that's less than 9 months old and only has 25K on it shredded an edge and took out the CPS but the good news is that the Cummins didn't really mind. As long as the injection pump solenoid had voltage, the Cummins keeps running. If I had been driving a gas rig, I'd have been calling AAA.

Glad to have a rig that can get me home, even w/o a functional electrical system.

PS - Anyone care to recommend a belt that will last longer than 25K?

 

Check your water pump if any play is noted replace it. I use mopar serp belt never had one come off or break. I drove 200 miles with a dead battery and alt not charging. 12 valve with manual trans, I just disconnected the shutdown solenoid. Truck would still be running but I ran out of fuel.

 

Ac delco belt. I have tried others and they are noisy amonst other things

 

I tried one of those Gaterbacks last time because someone around here was saying that they are good. It is very quiet and so far so good.

JP.

 

I bet its your tensioner, a bad tensioner will eat through some belts.

 

Good things to check guys. The water pump was new last December and still feels good. The belt tensioner assembly was new a couple of belts ago and still seems to be on-track and smooth.

Cummins quoted me $61 and change for a CPS but didn't have one in stock. Dodge dealer 50 miles up the road had one but wanted $109 for it. I ended up pulling the one off my parts truck for now and will get a new one on order for just in case.

Still debating on what brand belt. This Durolast belt didn't (last) so I'll be looking for a better one than that. O'Reilly's carries Gates and Gates lists a HD belt but that's $15 more than the regular Gates belt with is already around $60. Aside from the one shred coming off the edge of the current belt, it looked fine so, for today, I just trimmed it down to a 7-rib and put it back on.

 

Goodyear Gatorback belt available from Autozone. Dayco belt tensioner if your's is not that brand, available from Autozone as well.

 

Make sure you don't have any crank end play, could be the reason you're shredding the belt.

 

If you can't find anything wobbly, replace the tensioner. The belt is not likely to have shredded because it was no good at 25k, it shredded because something made it walk off the pulleys.