Stehphen,
While replacing those items suggested by Jeff might be a tad bit waste of money, it also might just prolong dependability and reliability of it too. To get it that far apart took you a bit of time. Do you want to go through all that again in what could be a month, two months, six months, two years, who knows?
Your comments on mine were right. I did have more than one issue when I was into mine. The infamous temp sensor was giving me the code of 33. The Gen had developed a hard starting situation prior to the code 33. It also had blown one of the magnets off and disintegrated it all over the inside of that gen. So, because I cracked the lower thermostat housing by putting so much torque on it to try and get that temp sensor out, I had to replace that, the sensor, the head gasket of the engine because the head had to be removed in order to get that lower thermostat housing off, and the two thermostat housing gaskets.
But, like yours, my belt and thermostat looked in flawless condition, and I tested that thermostat several times and, each time it opened up at very close to the prescribed temp setting. The belt was test "bent" in all kinds of dimensions and directions and showed no signs wear and tear at all. I made the choice to button everything up with both of them. Your choice.
Scott
Scott and Karla SDFD RETIRED2004 Itasca Horizon, 36GD Slate Blue 330 CAT
2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Ext Cab 4x4 Toad
2008 Caliente Red LVL II GL 1800 Goldwing KI60ND