Belt problem?

[Bellon]

I just pulled into the drive way, parked my 03. 5 And turned it off, and then to my surprise steam/smoke started pooring out from under the hood.



My drive home was less thanks 5 miles. I opened the hood to a stink of burning rubber. I looked at my belt and it was about halfway walked off of the idler just below and to the right of the alternator.



I looked at the coolant overflow tank. It was low so I filled it. I'm letting everything cool off before I go out and look at it in detail.



My concern is that the idler is locked up, and that is why the belt has halfway walked off, and I smelled the burning rubber (from the belt).



Any suggestions on root cause?

 

[jhenderson]

If I were you, and I'm not you know, I would be pleased if it were the idler pulley and not one of the other accessories.

 

[Bellon]

It's the Idler.....

Well, I went back out to the truck after dinner, and found that as I loosened up the belt, the idler was rocking, up down and all around. And, leaking coolant while it was doing it.



Anyone know how hard it is to replace the idler?

 

[cerberusiam]

Idler replacement is real easy, remove the belt and 1 bolt. Easiest thing is pull the air box to work on it.

 

[mweiman]

You said it is leaking coolant, are you talking about the water pump? It runs on the backside of the belt and is held in by 2 bolts, looks like an idler pulley. It is easy to change, 2 bolts and there is a large, square o-ring that seals it to the block. The hardest part is fighting the belt and draining the coolant.

Matt

 

[pjorlando]

Ditto on the water pump, only thing that could rock around and leak coolant. Might as well replace idler puller assembly as well with a new belt. With that many miles, a thermostat is in order also. Geno's has all the parts for a decent price. Just remember to put in the correct coolant.