Serpentine Belt

[ynotranger]

Im asking for a little advise. My son has a 1997 Ranger 4 cyl. he bought a couple months ago. I started the truck today and a sqweel and smoke came up from under the hood. The truck runs but the belt is not moving. Little rubber particles are on the fan. Any suggestions before I overpay for service??

 

[mongoose289]

take the belt off and check all the pulleys. mainly th a/c pulley.

 

[ynotranger]

Thanks I wil check the pulleys. Wouldn't at least the crank pulley be turning? It felt hot when i touched it after 10 seconds of idling.

 

[mongoose289]

if the engine is runing the crank pulley should definitaly be turning

 

[Earl43P]

Hard to say.
I'd try turning all the accessories and MAYBE buy the belt for your year without AC.
Run that and see if it changes. Then see an AC guy.

Believe me, if it is running, the crank pulley is turning. The AC compressor is about the only thing that can stop that belt, unless the tensioner is really shot. Give it a good inspection, use a 15mm wrench on its pulley bolt to check the tensioner travel. If it's at its travel limit, you need a new belt, minimum.

 

[Army]

... Any suggestions before I overpay for service??

Swapping large componants is usually pretty easy. Get a Chiltons manual from your local auto parts store, and follow step-by-step. The belt swaps very easily BTW.

 

[97ranger xlt]

you can turn back the tensioner with a normal socket wrench handle (with no socket in it). as others have said check all the components.. power steering pump/ac compressor if it has a/c, alternator, water pump.
my guess would be a seized a/c compressor as a likely culprit.

 

[ynotranger]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I have been out of town for a couple weeks (a much needed vacation)! I do not have air in this truck so im guessing its either the ps, water pump, or alt. Right? Like I mentioned before, the motor does run and the crank pulley is moving.

 

[97ranger xlt]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I have been out of town for a couple weeks (a much needed vacation)! I do not have air in this truck so im guessing its either the ps, water pump, or alt. Right? Like I mentioned before, the motor does run and the crank pulley is moving.

yes those would be the only culprits left to check. take off the serp belt and
try spinning the accessories by hand.

let's hear what you find..

 

[tylerh]

idler pulley is my guess mine melted on me took out the aluminum bracket too

 

[jimmyk]

My 95 had a siezed alternator when I bought it. Lots of squealing and it sure chewed up the belt. The truck had been sitting for a while before I got it. A 35 dollar used alternator and everything is fine!

 

[ynotranger]

Finally Had A Chance To Pull Off The Old Belt And Check Everything. It Was A Alternator!!! Bought A Rebuilt One For $80 In Cleveland And New Belt For $25

Thanks Again For Everyones Help!!!!

 

[PFC Laird]

idler pulley is my guess mine melted on me took out the aluminum bracket too

mine did the same thing....chewed up my belt along with it

 

[97ranger xlt]

Finally Had A Chance To Pull Off The Old Belt And Check Everything. It Was A Alternator!!! Bought A Rebuilt One For $80 In Cleveland And New Belt For $25

Thanks Again For Everyones Help!!!!

glad you found the problem. mine did that as well.. and recently..
maybe all original '97 vintage alternators are prone to be at the end of their lifeline now.
food for thought.