A video showing you not only how to replace the alternator and idler pulley but how to clean the grooves on the other pulleys in the event of catastrophic failure like this one. Feel free to leave your methods you use or comments below.
How To Replace An Alternator, Tensioner Pulley & Serpentine Belt On A 97 Dodge B 2500 / 1500 Van 3.9

49 thoughts on “Alternator, tensioner pulley serpentine belt – dodge 2500 / 1500 van”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Antonio Claudio Michael says:

    Had a crap ton of Issues with Remand Parts they either don't fit right or they don't last half the time of a Oem part good video Eric O @SouthMainAutoRepairLLC

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Darryl Schmidt says:

    Thank you for the videos Eric. Just a note…I use a couple of those cheap small Harbor Freight spring clamps to hold the belt on other pulleys while I am messing with the tensioner and the last pulley.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Scott Woody says:

    I cant budge the tensioner. I see you move it with ease, but i can't even budge it with a ratchet and a wrench to extend my leverage.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Keith Zoerner says:

    On the top of the alt.what is the lil black box

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Danny Yarbrough says:

    Hi is the b1500 3.9l v6 van the same motor in the 2500

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Peter Dreher says:

    Great Video, thank you! What air tool/compressor set up are you using? 2001 Dodge Ram Van 2500

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mary Nardozzi says:

    Great video. Looking at an 87 Dodge Ram fixer-upper and want to know what I'd be getting myself into. Thank you.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cisco Hour says:

    I had a new belt put on my 97 2500. A year later the alternator went out. New alternator put on and the shop said the pulley on the AC compressor needed replaced. Ever since then, the belt will not stop squealing. Took it back and they said we can put a new belt on for you. I told them the problem came after you did the alternator/pulley. SIGH. I'm just gonna do it myself. Not as easy as my grand marquis but I have lots of free time now.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tracy smith says:

    A really good hack for putting the belt back on is to do the smooth pulley last. It slips on easily requiring less muscle required.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brian Shuttleworth says:

    Thank you for making this video! Iโ€™ve been working on a 97 Dodge van that has the same issue. Iโ€™m having much more trouble with the belt than you did. Haha. Iโ€™m taking another crack at it tomorrow.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kirby Schneider says:

    Did you say Dr. O? ๐Ÿ˜

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robert Gary says:

    Had the same issue on an airplane. Fired up the #2 and it wouldnโ€™t charge. Went through the reset checklist etc and nothing. Mechanic pulled the cowl and the alternator had seIzed and the belt had caked itself all over the ring gear pulley.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shane Harrison says:

    Always a pleasure to watch a good man working

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shane Harrison says:

    I did love working on Van's especially when it was raining out

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shane Harrison says:

    Sweet a roasted alternator and the belt had a royal meltdown and theirs cleaning to be done

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jones Farm says:

    Yo Eric this was the very first SMA video I ever watched and I was hooked! Wow time flys

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alan Kluttz says:

    Good video. Good detailed illustration and explanation, it's just not the exact video I needed. I was looking for replacement alternator on a 2014 RAM Promaster 2500 with A/C. Thanks

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shane Harrison says:

    I was going to ask if the tensioner slide and locks were in good shape then I see it was a spring type

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shane Harrison says:

    Did you check the bolt slack slide on the underside the alternator

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shane Harrison says:

    Used to do it kinda the same way heavy pick and run it and then wire brush and all the smooth pulleys with scotch brite medium and a little brakekleen heavy pick to clear the other grooved pulleys

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Thomas Van Velzor says:

    New sub. Great stuff! You've helped me a few times. Bought a 2003 Ram van 1500, 5.2 conversion. 68,000. Got a good deal, so I thought. Lol. He must have cleared the codes before we met up. Had to install a new ignition coil, alternator, tensioning pulley and belt. Now I'm on to a front axle bearings. Running great after the coil.

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Milo Goltz says:

    Excellent "demo!" Thanks MUCH. mg

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dewayne Evans says:

    This was one of the most clear and informative videos i have ever watched thank you.

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Evi Official says:

    Awesome video! Thanks for sharing!

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Keith Hastings says:

    Enhance!

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris R says:

    The 17 thumbs down are from shops that'll lose customers as a result of this video, no doubt!!

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris R says:

    Thank you for being so thorough! I'm trying to prepare myself to work on a 91' Dodge van and needed to be reminded about all the little things you do after the alternator has been installed!!

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeff Tran says:

    Would a 2000 ram 3500 maxi van be pretty similar in steps? Belt routing might differ obviously. Never touched this van before. Bought it end of summer to turn into a camper. Belt started flailing this morning.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hvy Chvy G20 says:

    I recently changed the alternator, belt, tensioner, and idler pulley on my 93 Chevy G20 van. Low mileage but it was the years. Got my parts through Rock Auto. New Remy alternator and Gates belt, tensioner, and Idler pulley.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars corey Babcock says:

    if you remove the AC compressor and idler pulley you can use a 900k7 belt

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars corey Babcock says:

    I've used reman stuff it seems ok just depends on what the part is for

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars corey Babcock says:

    I've replaced my alternator and water pump radiator and hoses thermostat and pipes plus shocks fan fan clutch brakes rotors bearings and other stuff on it I live in my van and I can't afford to pay for labor so I watch videos like this to learn how to fix my van when need be

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars corey Babcock says:

    how does a 97 Dodge ram van have 6 cylinder mines a 96 Dodge ram b2500 and has a 318 5.2 l v8

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars elena olivares says:

    When those belts go bad and the heat is applied to the pulleys that causes lose of lubricant inside of the pulley i.e. the lubricant boils out according to the manufacturer of the pulley system. They would recommend putting lubricant back into the pulley or could stop turning and cause the loss of other pulleys are even damage the engine.

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Duane Wilson says:

    Great video. For cleaning out those groves, i usually spin the free pulleys with my air ratchet on the pulley nut while having a wire brush against it.

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William Guy says:

    Wonderful job filming and explaining the task. I love your videos!

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kruisin Kevin says:

    Thanks for sharing sir.I have an 02 Dodge Ram van 2500. What alternator manufacture do you recommend?

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ron S says:

    But can she do it?

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Garth Clark says:

    Those surp belts with a clutch fan/water pump mounted…Does the belt go over the fan blades and then onto the pulley's. I didn't see that in the video.

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! Mario Lemoine says:

    good video
    well explained thanks

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jim rosson says:

    My man you are real mechanic I wish that I live close to you if you do all my work on my car

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Chiodetti says:

    Good job! Like that pick around the pulley for cleaning. Especially the crank with the engine running!
    Great Video!
    I hope you and Mrs. O and the family have a Wonderful, Happy, Merry Christmas!

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars GNX157 says:

    Those tensioners fail in odd ways too. I've had a few that initially seemed okay but when you took the belt off and ran them thru their stroke you could feel they weren't working smoothly right in the range where they'd be with the belt on. Probably could lube them and work them enough to get back right but in my case it was easier to replace and be done with it.

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeff Maggard says:

    Nice old school SMA vidjayo! Whoโ€™s watching in 2018??

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jack Jacke says:

    Ok you asked, put an air ratchet with deep socket on center nut so it spins. Easier… : )

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jack Jacke says:

    Same engine in my van. Except mine won't run/ POS

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Duncan Mac says:

    Thanks for the video.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joe Lund says:

    Almost as much as me

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tracy smith says:

    No way my tensioner move that easily. It takes two full arms with me standing high above it. I did it alone 7 years ago without much trouble.

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