Serpentine belt...

Recently, my serpentine belt snapped and busted my water pump. I went to Napa and bought a new belt; however, when I tried to install it I loosened the tensioner bolt as per the instructions, but I cannot tighten the belt to keep it in place. It feels like there is no tension left from the tensioner.Is it possible that during the breakage the belt messed up the tensioner or the tensioner is worn out?
Should I purchase a new tensioner?

Thanks guys!!


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Just curious, but how did your belt bust your water pump? I ask because usally its the opposite. The water pump failing causes the belt to break. Does your water pump pulley flop around and this is why you cant tighten the belt? This would explain a lot. Keep us informed

Hi Jason, thanks for replying to my post. When the belt broke I found it coiled around the water pump pulley, that's why I ask whether or not the belt caused the chain of event. Yes the pulley became unsteady that's why all the coolant escape. As far as the tensioner, it does not seem to have any tension I think the internal spring is busted. I'm about to purchase a new tensioner on eBay to give it a shot.

Did you replace the water pump? Sounds like your water pump failed/seized and thats why your belt broke. If you didnt replace the pump that is why your belt is still loose. Changing the tensioner wont fix it. You still wont be able to tighten it, and if you could your just going to snap your new belt because the water pump is still scewed.

There is no internal spring in the tensioner. You tighten it manually with one wrench, holding that tension you tighten the set bolt with another wrench. Or are you refering to the dampner?

Thx for your input,
I sure will replace the water pump as well. What you said sounds true; therefore, I will try replacing the pump first.

If all your coolant came out of the water neck (under the water pump pulley) then yes...your water pump is FUBAR.

That's exactly where it came from. I will go with the pump first then.

Did it look something like this?


This was me 3 months ago on the side of I-10 in Palm springs. Got the pump and belt from NAPA that afternoon and had it running again by 5pm. Its about a 4hr job if everything go's smooth.

Goodluck

Thx bro, will keep you posted throughout the process.