squeal and smoke

[WhiteFizzo]

Last Friday, I drove home during T.S. Ernesto. Well, I went through some water that was deeper than I had expected. It was about 12-15 inches deep. After that I found a high spot, parked my car, and walked home. I went to pick it up on Saturday and everything was fine. There was a slight squeal when I cranked the car up, but it went away after about 2 seconds. I left the car parked all weekend. Now, Tuesday, I go out to crank my car to get to work and I get this horrible loose belt squeal and smoke (from the belt I assume) and my battery indicator is on while the car is running. Any ideas? The belt looks pretty cracked, could the water have stretched it? All of the pullies turn free except for the air pump (or smog pump.. anyway, the one directly under the alternator). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sgarlic]

Sounds like your alternator probably is fried. The battery light coming on is the giveaway. I'd replace both the alt, and the belt. Great excuse to do the 3g upgrade if you haven't already.

 

[HISSIN50]

Wise thoughts from Andy.

ANother idea: since the AIR pump is down low, the water could have caused some serious corrosion inside there, which is causing issues with the belt and other accessories. Just pull the belt and spin the accessories by hand (do this on a cold motor when the problem-accessory would otherwise make noise upon start up).

I've had the smog pump open many times if you have questions about opening one up for inspection.

Good luck.

 

[gt40_2003wes]

if i was u and didnt have emissions where i was id just ditch the smog pump while i was at it.

 

[WhiteFizzo]

Smog pump is siezed. I bought a new one last night and I am going to try and put it on this morning before work. Any quick tips on the easiest way to replace it?

 

[WhiteFizzo]

Problem solved. Only took about 45 minutes to put in a new smog pump. Now to wait for the next problem to come along. Usually takes about 3 or 4 weeks for something else to happen.

 

[HISSIN50]

Nice work. There are not any secrets for the R/R. For future reference, putting neverseize on the fasteners is not a bad idea.

Good luck.

 

[sgarlic]

So the battery light doesn't come on anymore? Ah.. I guess if the belt ain't turning right it won't turn the alt either.. hrmph. Good job though.

 

[mob]

Should have thrown the smog away and gotten a shorter belt

My alternator pulley was fried a few weeks ago. The belt kept spinning but the alt. pulley wasent. So it would just go over the pulley, burn the belt, and make a horrible squealing sound.

 

[WhiteFizzo]

My neighbor said the same thing. It sounded kind of funny coming from a police officer. His exact quote was: "you dont need that smog crap, just get a shorter belt and be done with it."

On the other hand, I am glad that someone else has had the pleasure of the joyous noise created by the belt as it is dragged across a frozen pully as well as the odorous eminiations of burnt rubber that come not from tires but from the belt needed to prolong your engines runtime.