I was on my way to the outlet mall last weekend when I started having problems with my power steering and started running hot. When I stopped, antifreeze was running out from under my car. When I popped the hood, I saw that the serpentine belt on my new underdrive pullies was shredded. Has anyone else had this problem? What was the cause?
I assume the belt wasn't just very old and dry. That said, it could be because you have an accessory that is binding causing friction and heat on the belt (check the idler pulley bearing). It could also be due to a misalligned pulley cutting into the dege of the belt. It it also possible that you got antifreeze on the belt causing it to slip. You never mentioned why it was leaking. whats up with that?
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97 Cobra-03 Cobra t56 and alum DS, SPEC111 clutch, FRPP 4:10,T&J Performance Forged 4v(8.9:1), Manley rods, Novi 2000 w/ Fast Track A/A I/C, Barry Grant Fuel syst., BBK longtubes and H-pipe, MSD ignition, Detroit True Track, Magnaflows, 315 NT01's on 17 x 11's, KB BAS, SCT tune and about a million other things. 575 RWHP. Going into the shop this winter, looking for 650 RWHP.
I had a similar problem but caught it in time to save the damage. My a/c eliminator bracket was misaligned causing the belt to ride up on the tensioner
It sounds more like a misaligned pulley. If it were a bad bearing, he would be getting a schreeching sound from one of the accessaries, Mike. SCT Tuner.
Yup misaligned pulley, get a good eyeball on it and do some depth measurements of the pulleys! Also see if the tensioner arrow is within spec for the belt tightness!
Thanks, guys! What's the "tensioner arrow" and where do I look for it? Also, what do you mean by checking for depth? Do you mean checking both sides of the pulley relative to the block or some other filxed object to make sure it is allinged correctly?
As for the coolant, the car started heating up and the coolant was coming out through a crack in the seam on the overflow bottle, that I had covered with duct tape I need to check to see if there is a crack or hole in the lower radiator hose, as well.
Another case of UD messin things up! Do you have the spacer behind the crank pulley? You should be able to eye all pullies together and see one out of align.
Thanks, guys! What's the "tensioner arrow" and where do I look for it? Also, what do you mean by checking for depth? Do you mean checking both sides of the pulley relative to the block or some other filxed object to make sure it is allinged correctly? .
Get a new overflow tank!
on the tensioner there will be marks on the front and you'll see an arrow. there's about an inch and a half area where it needs to rest for correct belt tightness. When I said check for depth I meant look to see if all the pullies line up..
Thanks, Gentlemen! I bought a new belt today and will check the pullies tomorrow. I will also get a new overflow tank (I wish duct tape were waterproof!).
Found the tensior arrow and put on a new stock-length pullie from the local car quest. Way too loose! The pullie maker said that I could use the stock belt on an '86 but I believe he was wrong. Now I can't find the directions to determine how long of a belt I need. Someone in another forum said 80 inches but that was way too short. Any better suggestions?
Found the tensior arrow and put on a new stock-length pullie from the local car quest. Way too loose! The pullie maker said that I could use the stock belt on an '86 but I believe he was wrong. Now I can't find the directions to determine how long of a belt I need. Someone in another forum said 80 inches but that was way too short. Any better suggestions?
Stretch string around the pulleys and cut the correct length. Measure the cut piece and go shopping.
Shredded Serpentine Belt on Underdrive Pullies 
I need to check to see if there is a crack or hole in the lower radiator hose, as well.
