logik23
07-06-2010, 04:59 PM
So I have a 2003 Focus with the 16v engine. The coolant overflow tank is pressurized (there is no radiator cap) and it sits right above the serpentine belt.
I bought it about a month ago and once in a while the serpentine belt will squeal, but it's not often and it doesn't last long.
Last week, it overheated, so I pulled over and the overflow tank was empty so I bought some coolant at the gas station and filled it up.
Yesterday, the car overheated again so I pulled over and saw that the overflow tank was cracked and the coolant was leaking out onto the serpentine belt. The belt squealed more then usual, but it went away after a while.
So today, I bought a new overflow tank and a new cap and replaced it. But after I did this, the car is still overheating and the belt is making all kinds of noises. Like grinding, squealing, knocking, some end of the world type stuff. People who don't know cars would think my engine will blow up.
So on the way home, my power steering stopped working, my automatic transmission light kept coming on and off (I'm assuming it's overheating along with my engine because it only came on when the engine temp went into the red) and my battery light kept coming on. I guess my belt isn't turning the pulleys properly.
Now, I think it's overheating because the waterpump is not turning because it's run by the same belt as the alternator and power steering pump. The AC is also the same pump and the symptoms get worst when I turn it on.
So I finally get home after stopping like 20 times to let the engine cool down and when I get home I figure that the burnt coolant is making the pulleys stick so I hose off the strap and the pulleys for a few minutes while the engine is off and then I do it for like 30 seconds with the engine running and the engine turns itself off.
It started up again, but I only just moved into my parking space and left it there.
What the hell is going on??????????
I bought it about a month ago and once in a while the serpentine belt will squeal, but it's not often and it doesn't last long.
Last week, it overheated, so I pulled over and the overflow tank was empty so I bought some coolant at the gas station and filled it up.
Yesterday, the car overheated again so I pulled over and saw that the overflow tank was cracked and the coolant was leaking out onto the serpentine belt. The belt squealed more then usual, but it went away after a while.
So today, I bought a new overflow tank and a new cap and replaced it. But after I did this, the car is still overheating and the belt is making all kinds of noises. Like grinding, squealing, knocking, some end of the world type stuff. People who don't know cars would think my engine will blow up.
So on the way home, my power steering stopped working, my automatic transmission light kept coming on and off (I'm assuming it's overheating along with my engine because it only came on when the engine temp went into the red) and my battery light kept coming on. I guess my belt isn't turning the pulleys properly.
Now, I think it's overheating because the waterpump is not turning because it's run by the same belt as the alternator and power steering pump. The AC is also the same pump and the symptoms get worst when I turn it on.
So I finally get home after stopping like 20 times to let the engine cool down and when I get home I figure that the burnt coolant is making the pulleys stick so I hose off the strap and the pulleys for a few minutes while the engine is off and then I do it for like 30 seconds with the engine running and the engine turns itself off.
It started up again, but I only just moved into my parking space and left it there.
What the hell is going on??????????