I had a cooling problem that developed into a serious problem the other day. Ever since I had the alternator replaced, the belts were squeaking and I noticed a slight increase in water temp when standing.
The belt squeak was only on startup, and would go away quickly, but was becoming more pronounced as time went on, as did the water temp problem.
The other day I went to Bloomington (about 30 minutes away) and the temp gauge ran up sharply once I got there and got into traffic. I was close to my destination, so I kept an eye on it and continued. I made it to my destination, did my shopping, and headed home...
Before I could even get out of town, the temp gauge virtually pegged on the hot side, and the coolant tubes under the car started tapping LOUDly, I immediately pulled over and opened everything up, so it would cool quickly.
After a few minutes, the gauge was back at about 1/4, so I went ahead and continued hone, since I was at the highway, and it seemed to be OK at highway speeds. I did notice while stopped that the top bolt on the alternator looked like it was backing out, but could not get it to budge by hand.
I made it home, and to work the next morning, without any major problems, and found when we tore into it that either the nut was not replaced, or fell off, that holds the top alternator bolt in, and was allowing the belts to slip enough as not to be turning the water pump sufficiently.
Once that was corrected (loctite and a lock washer on the new bolt/nut
) we flushed the coolant system, and all is now very well.
I needed the instructions to the coolant fill procedures, and came here and ran a search. The step-by-step was VERY helpful, and I don't think we would have gotten it completely right without them.
I just wanted to say thanks again for this resource, and for helping me cope with an old car that can need maintenance occasionally, without having to call the dealer or some other rent-a-mechanic everytime something odd happens.
Thanks!
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