98 Explorer 300 Belt

[erikh45]

I am now to the point where it is running and all chains, fluids and joints are greased. I took it for a run down the road. It smells like the belt is slipping. I don't notice any loss of power, and it looks okay when I look at it. Should I replace it, or lave it for now. I am assuming there is only the one belt that I can see under the plstic cover. I am wondering how labor intensive it is to replace. If it is an easy replacement, I will just do it.

[jltimm]

You may want to check your clutch while your in there, before letting it eat another belt.There is only one belt, but you have 3 chains. Never replaced one myself, so I don't know how hard it is to do.

[Roofer]

It's fairly easy. Mice love to get into the belts, so maybe that is it. You may have to take some of the plastic loose, but the cover should come off pretty easy. The screws are all different sizes, so keep track of them. Also, make sure you get the gasket back on correctly, along with the snorkels for the belt intake and exhaust.

[erikh45]

Thanks for the replies. I was reading the shop manual and it says I need to take off the rear fenders and the footrest. It just seems pretty cumbersome. I should be working on my motorcycle or fishing instead of tearing this apart.