New Drive Belt Causing Problems

[Galaxy Ghia Gal]

I have a Galaxy Ghia 2.3 Auto. The drive belt snapped and had to be fitted with a brand new one. The mobile mechanic got a replacement one from the local Ford Dealers. He questioned with them why the new belt was wider but they said it was the correct one. He mentioned to me at the time that the tensioner may need replacing but was okay at the moment. Since being fitted it has been making a terrible noise which he assured me would cause no problems. I was driving home yesterday evening and feeling a bit chilly so I switched on the heater. As soon as I did this the engine stalled. The car drove okay so long as I did not switch on the heater. I have spoken to the mechanic this morning and he has told me it could most probably be the air conditioning unit needs replacing. Does anyone have any other ideas about what the problem could be? I find it strange that up until the orignal belt snapped the heating/air con was working perfectly! The mechanic is coming tomorrow to have a look...I really do not want to spend out huge sums of money on something that does not need replacing and may not cure the problem. I would appreciate anyones ideas.

[insider]

You have to question what caused the old belt to fail. From what you describe it could be that the A/C compressor is siezed so that when the old belt tried to turn it, it couldn't so it snapped. The new belt, being stronger (wider), remained intact and stalled the engine instead. It sounds to me that the mechanic is right in what he suggests.

[Galaxy Ghia Gal]

Hi Insider, thanks for your response. I really have no idea what caused the first belt to fail. I had flown back from a funeral on Thursday night, drove home from Stansted to Colchester. Next morning I started the engine put it into reverse and the steering wheel would not turn so I assumed it was the power steering, I checked the fluid level and it was fine. The mobile mechanic came out next day and found the belt was snapped, he was surprised there had been no warning light or any strange noises, however after fitting the belt it was noisy. I was able to use the heater until yesterday, as soon as I put it on now the engine stalls. Even without putting the heating on it makes strange noises. I just can't understand how it went from working to not working without any obvious signs of a problem.

[mk2vr6]

has he routed the belt correctly? if he put it over the ac compressor and not under! it will run in reverse! in that case would the resistance on the now new wider belt be enough to stall the engine?

as for why the origanal belt failed? when was it changed last?

[jamesey]

i had simular problems i had a squeeking drive belt and the steering was very notchy i put it down to a very loose drive belt , ive replaced the belt and tightened it up but every now and then it does come loose , i have a worn tentioner on mine it could be the same on yours :lol:

[Stevoo]

Now since whens does the heater cause the aircon to fail? lol, unless you have climate control? i would switch the ECCON button so its displayed(means aircon off) then put heater on and start car, if all is ok then yes sounds like the Aircon compressor/belt .

[Galaxy Ghia Gal]

Thank you everyone for all your help! :lol:

 

Just an update on whats happening...it is the compressor that has given up the ghost, I have ordered a new one today and it should arrive Tuesday. Then just a matter of it being fitted and fingers crossed there will not be anymore problems. :lol: