Urgent/Sad - Broke in Riverside

[fjefman]

First off, I appreciate all the quick responses.

After 5hrs and still no tow truck I decided to put as much water in the radiator as possible and drive a few miles up the road to the closest gas station.

Belt is on order so I’m looking at how to replace it. The video above helped but I everything looks easy when an engine is on a stand. Do I have to loop the best over the fan blades first and then maneuver it over the pullieys?

Oh, and I, never knew how hard it is to drive without power steering.

[fjefman]

Tonight will be in the van at a Phillips 76 gas station. Hopefully this unplanned adventure ends tomorrow AM and I can co to use with my planned adventure.

[fjefman]

86Scotty, we all need tough love at some point so thanks for dishing it out when appropriate.

[carringb]

Why were you low on coolant? Did a bad water pump seize and cause the belt to break? Might be more than a belt job if you're also losing coolant (they seem when the bushings wear out).

It can also boil over like that if the antifreeze-to-water ratio is too dilute.

[fjefman]

Originally Posted by carringb

Why were you low on coolant? Did a bad water pump seize and cause the belt to break? Might be more than a belt job if you're also losing coolant (they seem when the bushings wear out).

Well, I have been driving for the past 5+ hrs from Vegas the vehicle was already taxed quite a bit staying cool.

When everything went to shite I was accelerating up a hill in 100+ temps with the AC on high. Didn’t take but a minute for the gauge to shoot to super hot, and by the time I got over the 5 lanes and pulled onto the shoulder she spilled her proverbial coolant guts all over the ground.

I hope the belt is indeed delivered at 8:30 and that is the only fix needed.

[carringb]

Ok. Mostly makes sense. Usually the cap will relieve pressure slow enough it won't suddenly boil, but if its the original cap if probably ruptured internally.. Definitely plan on replacing the cap too.

[SMB123]

Get a pressure test to check head gaskets.

[E-350]

Don‘t be afraid! Changing the belt is really easy, in case that‘s the problem.

First: give the intake a bump with your hand to knock it out of it‘s locking position.


Then rotate it up ~90degrees and remove it.

From the top you have access to put a 1/2“ ratchet into the tensioner. The main challenge here is you might need to push it around the fan once the tip is t the right place. I used a ~20“ ratchet.

On the front, hidden by the unopened hood you should have a sticker similar to this one.


Choose your engine, take some pictures.

Once the tensioner is in you push it aside and the belt gets loose. Take it off the first wheel and release the ratchet.

Then take it out.

Take the new belt and fiddle it around (this is where the pics come in ;-)).
You might need to do it from the top or below.

Then check that the tensioner is somewhat in the middle of all pullies/ wheels, turn the ratchet again and put it on the pully. Release the ratchet and it should be in place.

Tuen the engine on shortly, turn it off and check the position.
All good? Then proceed your way.
If not, ratchet into tensioner and realign position.

The only thing that‘s easier in the video is that you get habds everywhere.
But the general procedure is really as easy as in the video.

[BrianW]

I have two spare belts in my van stashed under my gaucho bench, along with a spare fuel filter, fender-mounted starter relay, and a few other things. I have this fantasy of being the roadside savior for a broken down fellow E-vanner [emoji23]

I’m surprised you had to order a belt. They are very common, at least for the 5.4l. You didn’t say what engine you have, though.

[Twoxentrix]

Originally Posted by BrianW

... I have this fantasy of being the roadside savior for a broken down fellow E-vanner [emoji23]

Brain, In an effort to grant you the satisfaction, I'd gladly provide you a heads up on our future departures so you can follow...I have as good a chance of any in needing your assistance!