1996 Jeep Cherokee Smoking under hood, siezed up part?

1996 JEEP CHEROKEE
112,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • MANUAL
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1SK8TRSMOM
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My son used to like to off road. I know he went through high water( about three years ago). Right after he'd done that there began to be a belt type of squeal happening when the AC was on. (He described it as the engine "screaming like a woman!!!) Then it started squealing whenever it started, but the squealing would stop after a few minutes when it was warmed up. I hadn't started it for about two months and when I did, it started and squealed as "usual", but the squealing didn't stop this time, and smoke started coming from under the hood. When I looked, one of the belts was smoking. In front, behind the radiator, but in front of the block, there are three belt driven parts, the one in the middle is not turning, causing the belt to heat up. Anybody know what's going on?
I am obviously not a mechanic.
Feb 5, 2009 at 8:33 AM
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RACEFAN966
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Ok I am thinking you are looking at the water pump but if you could include a pic of what you are looking at I can verify that for you. Thanks.
Feb 5, 2009 at 10:13 AM
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1SK8TRSMOM
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I don't have a way to send a photo right now. So what do I do if it is the water pump?
Feb 5, 2009 at 10:53 AM
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RACEFAN966
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Ok so that is your water pump. So now you must decide weather you think you can replace it yourself or take it to a shop and have it replaced. If you do want to do this your self then I recomend getting a repair manual and between that and myself I can help walk you through it. Let me know what you would like to do. Do not drive it with the water pump bad as this will make it get very hot without you really knowing it till it is to late and the engine is no good ok.
Feb 6, 2009 at 10:30 AM
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RACEFAN966
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So how did it go?
Feb 14, 2009 at 1:37 PM
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1SK8TRSMOM
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I haven't tried to do it yet I'm embarrassed to say. I'd like to try it myself, but it seems like a daunting task. I might have to give in and have it towed to a shop, but at least now I know what it is.
Could this be a result of the Jeep being driven through water up to the wheel wells? I'm pretty sure my son watched one too many Jeep commercials, or maybe that "Jackass" show that used to be on, and tried to do something he saw on tv.
Feb 15, 2009 at 10:42 AM
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1SK8TRSMOM
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Do you guys sell paper repair manuals? I know I'd need something that I could look at out at the car.
Feb 15, 2009 at 10:53 AM
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RACEFAN966
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I would pick up a Haynes manual at your local parts store. If you have any questions or need any help walking through the process after you have a repair manual just ask.
Feb 16, 2009 at 10:15 AM