[TomP]

@TomP
Hello and welcome.
Do you think you could give us a clue regarding petrol / diesel model and year, plus milage covered.

It's a 2ltr petrol model, registered in 2009 and has covered approx 75,000 miles

 

[TomP]

Thanks UK-Kev. I hadn't thought of a frozen water pump - but it was a very cold night. Interestingly, it hasn't repeated although the smell lingers. I ran the engine this morning (above freezing) for a good 25 mins and it chugged along nicely. Water temp rising normally, alternator light off, and AC compressor spinning (although the AC hasn't worked for a while).

This is where the plot thickens: I started to add some electrical load - the windscreen heaters and the heater fan. The engine was idling smoothly at 1000rpm but started to judder after I pressed the windscreen and mirror heater buttons so I increased the rpm and the engine settled. Maybe foolishly I repeated the sequence and the fan belt ( DAYCO 812K7 7PK2061 19444 071 1332) snapped ! There are no obvious signs to show the cause of failure - although I could feel that it was quite hot through my gloves but not too hot to touch. I'll attach a photo if I can (I can't!).

With the fan belt disconnected, I checked the alternator and AC compressor pulleys and both were spinning freely. I also had a good look around the engine bay for signs of burnt wiring. There was a small blob of black gunge immediately below the ac Comp pulley. Looking through the alternator cooling holes at the stator wiring, it appeared dark rather than copper coloured but that might be normal.

So, apart from a broken fan belt, I'm no further forward in isolating the source of the lingering, acrid smell, but I hope this description of events might prompt some curiosity. In the meantime, thanks UK-Kev for your interest and comments.

 

[TomP]

Yes, I looked carefully at the 2 Fan Motors and they were turning quietly. I haven't checked the belt tensioner. Not sure how to do that with the belt off; with it on I tried to depress the belt and thought it a bit tight but I've no real experience of what would constitute the right tension. I've ordered a replacement belt, and wonder whether to fit it myself or summon up a 'roving mechanic'.

Thanks again for all your supportive and constructive advice. Much appreciated.

 

[TomP]

Good to hear from you guys and thanks for all the steers. I too was fooled by You Tube into thinking there's a PS reservoir to move. I'm impressed by Wes's efforts at the roadside - I'm balking slightly at doing the job in the garage!!

I'm not sure what to check to confirm that the tensioner is fit for purpose. I have in mind spinning it and feeling the surface for smoothness. Other than checking that it moves when the XXL spanner is applied that must be about it. Any other thoughts.

Tom

 

[TomP]

Unfortunately, chidog, I wasn't around when the car almost went up in smoke. Defining the smell isn't easy. My first thought, having driven from my son's place in it, and caught the lingering 'aroma' was that it was more of a residual electrical burn - but no sign. Now, having listened to everyone's contribution, I reckon the hot rubber theory is better - although, looking at the snapped belt as I type there are no obvious signs of burning - or 'skid marks' to use your tyre analogy.

Tomorrow, I'll have a closer look. The water pump is an obvious suspect. My son has many qualities but mechanical understanding, even interest, isn't one. So, I wonder what state the coolant is in, and that will be a candidate for a precautionary replacement as might the water pump itself.

Good to hear from you. I appreciate your comments

Tom

Before fitting the Serpentine Belt, this morning I checked the Alternator, Water Pump, and AC Compressor Pulleys. All were spinning nicely - apart from the AC Pump which felt like it was pumping! I found what I later discovered is an idler pulley, which I've yet to check.

I also tried moving the tensioner, and didn't have much success but will summon up more strength and leverage later this week when the belt arrives (incidentally, the spigot on which to attach the lever is 20mm). The search for a routeing diagram for the Serpentine Belt is proving frustrating.

Plenty of advice on the USA 2.4 litre engine but nothing to date on the UK 1.9L petrol engine. If you guys can't come up with anything, I'll work it out somehow, but how Wes replaced the belt at the side of the road amazes me. So the frozen water pump sounds increasing like the source of the problem with a spinning belt generating the acrid smoke. Thanks again for the contributions

 

[TomP]

Unfortunately, chidog, I wasn't around when the car almost went up in smoke. Defining the smell isn't easy. My first thought, having driven from my son's place in it, and caught the lingering 'aroma' was that it was more of a residual electrical burn - but no sign. Now, having listened to everyone's contribution, I reckon the hot rubber theory is better - although, looking at the snapped belt as I type there are no obvious signs of burning - or 'skid marks' to use your tyre analogy.

Tomorrow, I'll have a closer look. The water pump is an obvious suspect. My son has many qualities but mechanical understanding, even interest, isn't one. So, I wonder what state the coolant is in, and that will be a candidate for a precautionary replacement as might the water pump itself.

Good to hear from you. I appreciate your comments

Tom

Before fitting the Serpentine Belt, this morning I checked the Alternator, Water Pump, and AC Compressor Pulleys. All were spinning nicely - apart from the AC Pump which felt like it was pumping! I found what I later discovered is an idler pulley, which I've yet to check.

I also tried moving the tensioner, and didn't have much success but will summon up more strength and leverage later this week when the belt arrives (incidentally, the spigot on which to attach the lever is 20mm). The search for a routeing diagram for the Serpentine Belt is proving frustrating.

Plenty of advice on the USA 2.4 litre engine but nothing to date on the UK 1.9L petrol engine. If you guys can't come up with anything, I'll work it out somehow, but how Wes replaced the belt at the side of the road amazes me. So the frozen water pump sounds increasing like the source of the problem with a spinning belt generating the acrid smoke. Thanks again for the contributions

Problem fixed. Just to bring you up to date.

Replaced the AC Compressor and Tensioner. With new belt fitted the accessories purr along nicely. It seems that the AC Compressor Pulley was on the way out.