Ok, I might have several unrelated problems or all of these things might be part of the same problem. About a month ago, my wife was driving her '90 Cherokee Sport (4L in-line 6 w/ 168K mi) when the power steering and A/C went out, it then began to over heat. When I got to her, I found that the serpentine belt had come off. Seemed a bit odd to just have it fall off but I thought that would explain everything. I sent her home in my car and went to an auto parts store to get a new belt (it was worn anyway). When trying to install it, I found that I had almost 2 1/2 inches too much slack, even after adjusting the tension as far as it would go @ the power steering pump. I am SURE that I had the right belt (compared # to the original that came off) and I'm also SURE that I had the belt on correctly. After consulting a professional mechanic friend, he said the quick fix was a smaller belt. I used a belt 3 sizes smaller (seems like way too much) and it seemed to do the trick. I did
check all the pulleys and they appear to be fine. The Jeep would still overheat though. I found that the coolant bottle was cracked and replaced it along with the thermostat (195) for good measure. Now, on the open road or in cool weather, it is fine, runs cool with no problems. In traffic (the stop and go 5pm kind) you have to have the heat on full blast to keep it out of the red zone (overheat). This is no way for the wife and kids to live. I know this is a closed system, can it be flushed? I was thinking new radiator but that is an expensive guess to not be very sure. Are these things related or am I just having a run of bad luck.
I have asked several mechanics and have been told that I don't know how to put the belt on. They say I must have it on wrong and that would account for all the problems. I have been told that this is the ONLY answer to my problem. I know how to follow a diagram, I'm not dumb. I've checked this over literally hundreds of times and have had other people look as well. The belt (all be it the smaller one) is on and routed properly. PLEASE help before this drives me INSANE!
Jim K
Orlando, FL
check all the pulleys and they appear to be fine. The Jeep would still overheat though. I found that the coolant bottle was cracked and replaced it along with the thermostat (195) for good measure. Now, on the open road or in cool weather, it is fine, runs cool with no problems. In traffic (the stop and go 5pm kind) you have to have the heat on full blast to keep it out of the red zone (overheat). This is no way for the wife and kids to live. I know this is a closed system, can it be flushed? I was thinking new radiator but that is an expensive guess to not be very sure. Are these things related or am I just having a run of bad luck.
I have asked several mechanics and have been told that I don't know how to put the belt on. They say I must have it on wrong and that would account for all the problems. I have been told that this is the ONLY answer to my problem. I know how to follow a diagram, I'm not dumb. I've checked this over literally hundreds of times and have had other people look as well. The belt (all be it the smaller one) is on and routed properly. PLEASE help before this drives me INSANE!
Jim K
Orlando, FL
Jul 11, 2007 at 5:21 PM