Serpentine belt breaking

[Sally88]

Ok, if the serpantine belt breaks, does this cause the engine to lose oil pressure? I was on the interstate, 90 miles from home, and the battery light came on the dash but I still had strong lights. I tried to make it home, and about 20 miles later I noticed the temp guage pegged and smoke coming out the back. I shut her down, found out the serpentine belt was broken. What are the chances those 20 miles burnt up my engine? I had the truck towed to Ford, and will find out, but wondered on any of your guys imput.

[toddler62]

I'd say you at least you have a blown head gasket.The oil would have still been pumping but when your belt broke but your water pump was no longer working so you overheated the engine the white smoke out the back would be burnt antifreeze. good luck

[DonSor]

I'm looking at the glass as half-full. Granted breaking the serpentine belt disabled your water pump and thus the engine started to over heat. Firstly the radiator cap would've popped open due to overpressuration. Your next weakest point were the hoses. You did not say if any busted open. If all these were happening, there would've been antifreeze all over your engine and exhaust. Head gasket problem is a possibility but since your oil pump continued to provide pressure, your cams, rings and bearings could be OK unless the temperature got so high that the oil exceeded its upper limit of protection and broke down. Many Ford dealers are reputable and trusworty but others will give you the song and dance. Listen to their diagnosis and if they sound questionable get another opinion. If you don't mind I'd like to hear what they have to say.

[Sally88]

I got very lucky. First they put water in the radiator, it was nearly empty. Water began puring out the side. They put in a new radiator, belt, and idler pulley. I guess it locked up and that is what cut the belt. There was no antifreeze in the oil, so good there. The truck runs better now than it ever has, I think the pulley going bad took some horsepower away. The engine is quet now too, very smooth. The dealer was very honest, and I am very happy. It did cost me $770 though. Better than the $11,000 the truck I was looking at on the lot would have cost.

[DonSor]

All's well that ends well. I'm still puzzled that as you said the idler pulley locked up causing the belt to break. However, at that point you would have had all sorts of problem indication in your panel such as temeprature, oil pressure switch, and above all the check engine light.

[carlos80]

Originally Posted by DonSor

All's well that ends well. I'm still puzzled that as you said the idler pulley locked up causing the belt to break. However, at that point you would have had all sorts of problem indication in your panel such as temeprature, oil pressure switch, and above all the check engine light.

idler pulley not turning freely wouldn't cause any of those symptoms. The rest of the components still turn she should have smelled or heard the belt tho, before it broke.

[Sally88]

I was on the highway trying to get home after drinking. The battery light was on, the temp guage was pegged. When I smelled the antifreeze, which was about 20 miles later, I pulled over. It cost $150.00 to tow it to the dealer.

[DonSor]

Perhaps your engine problem had been a blessing in disguise. DUI or worst an accident could have been worst.

Take care