I had a coolant leak fixed a couple days ago and they told me it was leaking at a seal at the thermostat. so they replaced the thermostat and the serp. belt at the same time. Brought it home and started leaking again, so I brought it back and they found a leak coming out of the engine. So he said he could only add some stop leak and he put some sealant on it. That was two days ago no leaks now. But I was driving down the highway tonight all of of sudden my battery light came on there was a strange almost burning smell. It ended up dying as i pulled of the road. I thought maybe it was the alt. but it started up and I could see the serp. belt is not moving. Thats all I could see. It is 10 below zero out and very dark. Any suggestions? Thanks

Forgot to mention its a 91 s-10 4.3

 

chances are, the belt's worn down now and is just spinning when the crank shaft turns - best way to figure out what's NOT turning is take the belt off and spin everything by hand (alt water pump ect except the crank shaft pulley itself) also with it off start the truck on a fully charged batt to ensure your crank shaft is spinning as well - may have to clean the grooves out on it from melted in rubber possibly too.

that belt is deff pooched btw so plan to replace it while your at it.

 

yup Chris, you got it.

i've seen a siezed power steering pump cause someone to change an engine 'cause he thought it was siezed.

even take note of any bearings that have any roughness to their spinning.

 

If the crank shaft doesn't spin the engine won't run so he doesn't really have to check that since he knows it runs.That's the only pulley he doesn't need to check. If you do start it with the belt off watch your engine temp as there will be no coolant circulating at all. It can get hot pretty quick.

 

xmradioguy what if the woodruff key has split and allows the shaft to turn without turning the pulley?


otherwise you're 100% correct, altho in this case it doesn't HURT to check the grooves for buildup to ensure the belt can engage proper contact.