I purchased my 24380 fan belts from my local auto parts store with no problem.

The L538 should be the right belt. L5 would be 5/8" wide and 38 the circumference.

Thanks Chipper. Should I be concerned with the degree of the V inside, or should it be close enough?

Brandon

Do not tighten the belt or the nut outside the gasket as best you can. Too much will result in a broken pump axle. If you hear a sudden loud, squeeking unpleasant (unexpected) noise coming and going when driving, stop immediately and check the belt/axle. If the axle has turned blueish, you have to loosen the belt somewhat.

You can use tractor belts, but the best is newly produced original-sized Chevrolet V - belt.

Well, I wound up getting a lawn mower belt that crossed over from the previously mentioned Advanced Auto belt.
When I went to remove my 4 blade fan to take the belt off, I could EASILY turn the fan with my hand even with full tension on the belt, so it was undoubtedly way, way too loose.
I took a short test drive that included some 40-45 mph driving and it did much better, however it was a short drive (5 miles or so) and it was very cold here today compared to lately (20s or 30s).
I'll try it again later and hopefully it will be OK. I'll have to start from scratch on how much to tighter the packing nut again.

Brandon

Brandon,
Did you get a chance to read this article? There is a part explaining the belt.

http://vcca.org/members/vccadocs/gd/arti...mp;SearchField=

If your Advanced auto dealer who handles Dayco belts could not find a listing then I would find a competent supplier. Go to the Dayco web site and you will find the information you need. A correct length belt that does not have the correct angle will just compound your problems. Also over tightening the packing will burnish it and lessen the chances of it sealing regardless of how its further adjusted and should be replaced.

I called my local Advanced Auto store and they did not have the dayco 24380 belt in stock but can get it in a few days. He also said I could order it on line. just go on Advanced Auto website put in dayco 24380 in search and it comes up.

Aw man. Thanks for the info. After he said he couldn't get it I went across the street to where a friend of mine works at Napa and I ordered a belt that cross referenced the L538. It's a green lawn mower belt, but it seems to be working so far.
I guess I'll know next time.

Thanks,
Brandon

About that green belt...as soon as that radiator boils over again the belt color changes to a nice medium gray...Just part of the make it work set .

Well, I'd say the belt fixed the problem. Got up early and drove to church today, about a 120 mile round trip, and it did fine...except for the VERY last mile of the trip.

Had a little speedometer mishap, but nothing related to the cooling system!

Brandon

I used a can of flat black paint to paint my green belt to Black. I also use the lawn mower belt for my Chevy.