I've become somewhat disenchanted with the local auto parts scheme. The big NAPA store in Gainesville is still a supplier of staples; I've been a customer there (they know my name) for 20 years, and the prior owner was a golfing buddy.

But some parts evade the NAPA system, as well as other stores (AutoZone, Advance, CarQuest, Bumper-to-Bumper), so I've been experimenting with a new source, that's proven to be a Godsend: Amazon!

I use the Goodyear Gatorback belt on the Barth. I also wanted a spare tensioner for the serpentine belt. Neither was available locally (AutoZone used to be able to order the Gatorbacks, but no more), but Amazon had 2 belts and the tensioner to me in 2 days! And the prices were far better ($22 for the belts vs. $36; the tensioner wasn't ever available locally except from the dealer, $52 vs. ~$95.

I have always been a NAPA customer but lately I have been going to Auto Zone. An old friend works at AZ and gives me excellent treatment and so far I've had no problems with any of their parts. They are also quite a bit cheaper than NAPA.

I too am an Amazon believer. I have used often over the years, but have discovered in the past year or two that no matter what it is (including odd automotive parts, etc.), it is best to look there first. They usually do have it, and as Rusty said, at a very good price. And no driving, no hunting, easy returns, and two days later, it is here. You can't beat that. So now, no matter what I am shopping for (tools, parts, yard equipment, anything really...), I always start with Amazon

We tow a 2003 Chevy Tracker and when the A/C compressor died last week the owner of the Tracker Ranch (here in Livingston, TX) ordered the part on Ebay. We tried many of the usual sources as well, including a compressor rebuilder in Houston. Three vendors on Ebay had the part cheaper and could deliver it quicker than ANY of the auto parts stores, including the compressor rebuilder. I never thought about Amazon but that's a great idea!

Carl Feren

Rusty... thanks for the heads up on Amazon. I wanted a Goodyear gatorback serpentine for the Barth but NAPA didn't carry them. Another local dealer carried them but would have had to order it at the cost of $35 each. I ordered 2 belts through Amazon at the cost of 7.95 each plus 5.50 shipping.. about $21.50. Any suggestions on best way to change it? It looks like you need a special ratchet with 3/8 " drive to loosen the tension pulley. A little hard to get to.

Gerald, the serpentine belt on the 5.9 is a PITA to change. There is square opening in the tensioner pulley assembly to insert a wrench and you have to pull the tensioner away from the belt to the stop and hold it there while you slip the belt off the water pump pulley. Don't loosen any bolts on the tensioner or you will not get it back safely or you run the risk of stripping the bolts.

Once you have the old belt off, the installation id the reverse, get it round the proper routing on all pulleys that have grooves in them and then pull the tensioner back up against the stop to work the belt over the water pump pulley. The water pump uses the back side of the belt for the drive and is not grooved so it slip on and off.

Ed, thanks alot. I just came in from adjusting the old belt. It was frayed on the back (engine) side. It had worked its way to the back side of the alt. and water pump pullies (sp?) I don't know if it was installed wrong, worn (probably) or the pullies are out of alignment. I will have to keep my eye on it when the new belts get here. Your right PITA, but I think when the new belt gets here I will be able to get it on. Again a third hand sure would come in handy. Put some nylon straps for handles on the upper engine compartment door... a little easier to move around now. Thanks again!

I got it wrong...but couldn't edit. The belt was rubbing and beginning to ride up on the back side of the alt. and fan pulleys not water pump!!

Hi Bill, I tried that the first time but it said I didn't have permission to edit/delete, but this time it came up alright. Thanks.. Gerald