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Serpentine Belt Trouble


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Carnage_Del_Rey
New User

Mar 9, 2014, 11:34 PM

Post #1 of 6 (2066 views)
post icon Serpentine Belt Trouble Sign In

I posted a question in a Yahoo Answer fourm to see what may have wrong with my car. I found out, and so before you guys try bash me, I know I messed up.

I believe my serpentine belt broke/fell off while I was driving. I didn't realize the warning signs, I just thought I had a loose (less threatening) belt. So I believed that I could drive it back to my house which is 2.2 miles away. About half way to my house all of the dash board lights began to go off and my car began to overheat. Not being to bright on cars, I just continued to make my way back to my house.
Now aware of it most likely being a broken I did some research and found out driving without a serpentine belt is a big no no. I drive a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. Is there any hope in getting my car fixed? or is it now just a lost cause? I was planning on going on a road trip next week, so any input asap would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Mar 10, 2014, 2:31 AM

Post #2 of 6 (2043 views)
Re: Serpentine Belt Trouble Sign In

That all depends on just how hot the engine got due to driving without a water pump. All you can do now is find out why the belt came off in the first place and repair that. Then you can run the engine too determine if any permanent damage has been done or not. You may not know immediately. It may require driving it for a while to see if any head gasket symptoms show up.



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(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Mar 10, 2014, 6:06 AM)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Mar 10, 2014, 5:55 AM

Post #3 of 6 (2018 views)
Re: Serpentine Belt Trouble Sign In

Yes, and spin pulleys now first for obvious troubles before installing new belt. May or may not have old belt around at all to determine more from it. Yes it could be run for just a very short while without a belt not to come close to warming up,


T



GC
User
GC profile image

Mar 10, 2014, 6:27 AM

Post #4 of 6 (2009 views)
Re: Serpentine Belt Trouble Sign In

+1 to what others said. Is this a 3.8? Usually a strong engine that can take some abuse. Put it back together and pray for the best. Try to drive it in varying conditions for a bit (idling, stop &go, highway), before attempting a road trip. Only way to know for sure is to have it checked out by a reputable shop with the right tools.


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Willing to help, willing to learn... Rob


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Mar 10, 2014, 5:18 PM

Post #5 of 6 (1977 views)
Re: Serpentine Belt Trouble Sign In

Make sure the water pump isn't falling apart. Just did one yesterday that chunked a belt. If the water pump does need to be replaced, do the two plastic elbows that go into the belt tensioner. Dorman actually makes metal elbows as an upgrade. They also redesigned the water pump pulley, so the belt is aligned better. Inspect the charger belt.





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car1104
User

Mar 13, 2014, 7:47 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1905 views)
Re: Serpentine Belt Trouble Sign In

I had one where the bolt on the power steering pulley fell out. The pulley came out about a half inch and threw the belt. Make sure the pulleys are in and bolts on. You can tap the pulley in, and replace the bolt.






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