So while I'm stranded...

[sdevine42]

While I wait for the tow truck to come get me, I'm trying to piece together what just happened. Driving thru Alabama at highway speed I heard a slight squeal sounding like a belt slip and within a couple of minutes my AC light was blinking and the cold air stopped pumping, then I see smoke and pull over. There's oil (I assume) splashed under the hood and dripping from around the oil pan. The engine never ran hot. I had the dealership replace the water pump a few days ago as they said it was leaking.

So what happened?

 

[ToyoDriver]

Is the belt still on the engine, and tight?

 

[sdevine42]

Yes, slightly frayed around the edges and covered in oil, but on and tight.

 

[RonJR]

Sounds like your AC compressor seized up and smoked the clutch. I had that happen on my '94, almost exactly the same symptoms. Once I shut down the AC the smoke and noise stopped, and I was able to continue on with my trip minus air conditioning. Of course, on the '94 the AC belt is separate, instead of everything running off of one serpentine belt. A little easier to isolate the failing system.

The oil may well be from the compressor. Doesn't take but an ounce or two to look like a flood.

 

[sdevine42]

Very interesting. Sounds about right. There was a pretty good puddle on the ground when it was done.

What damage is done when something like that happens?

 

[sdevine42]

Is there any connection between the dealer replacing the water pump and thermostat to this issue occurring? The timing seems suspect....

 

[gm350reratliff]

It does seem a little suspect but probably nothing more than a coincidence. I had a AC compressor totally come apart on an old chevy once. Broke the belt, made a huge mess, made one helluva racket (initially thought I blew the engine), and the worst part was that is sent tiny fragments of metal all throughout the AC system requiring me to replace every component.

Does the engine still start? Can you post a picture?

 

[sdevine42]

I haven't tried to start the engine but with the key in the on position check engine, low oil, and battery lights were lit up. I have several pictures I'll try to upload on mobile shortly.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I haven't tried to start the engine but with the key in the on position check engine, low oil, and battery lights were lit up. I have several pictures I'll try to upload on mobile shortly.

In the KOEO (Key On Engine Off) setting when you turn the ignition switch you'll see a lot of warning lamps light up as that's the "bulb check" feature to show that the instrument cluster is working.

What color is the oil that splashed all over the hood and also did you check the engine oil?

 

[sdevine42]

I could be wrong but all the dash lights lit up and then after a few seconds only those three remained lit. The fluid looked reddish brown, could be freon, I wouldn't even know what that looks like. The engine oil levels seemed normal.

 

[RonJR]

"Freon" (more accurately, refrigerant) doesn't look like anything - it evaporates and disappears instantly when not under pressure. There is about 2-4 oz of oil in the compressor to keep it lubricated. Normally that stuff is kind of a clear light amber color, but if the compressor failed who knows what it might look like.

 

[V8Man]

I could be wrong but all the dash lights lit up and then after a few seconds only those three remained lit. The fluid looked reddish brown, could be freon, I wouldn't even know what that looks like. The engine oil levels seemed normal.

Reddish brown oil I'm guessing power steering fluid. Check to see if on the the pumps long bolts were left loose a backed out and got into the pully.

 

[Arthur4R]

I could be wrong but all the dash lights lit up and then after a few seconds only those three remained lit. The fluid looked reddish brown, could be freon, I wouldn't even know what that looks like. The engine oil levels seemed normal.

Reddish brown is either power steering fluid or transmission fluid. We need more info to help you out.

 

[Dpassmore]

Where in Alabama did this happen?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sdevine42]

 

[sdevine42]

Sorry for dropping off but it was an interesting trip trying to get the family and 4R from Dothan, AL back to Atlanta and my phone was totally dead.

I added some pictures of the aftermath, saying it was reddish was probably not accurate as I look back at the pics. The PS fluid level was unchanged, as was the brake fluid level.

The engine oil was fresh M1 synthetic with about 500 miles on it.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Hard to tell from the pics but it could be either AC compressor oil or engine oil if none of the other levels are low. That amount of oil on the belt will cause it to slip and squeal. Is there any indication that a catch cup was left in there when the oil was changed? Just wondering if that got caught in the belt and sprayed oil everywhere. Keep us posted on what they find.

 

[sdevine42]

Hard to tell from the pics but it could be either AC compressor oil or engine oil if none of the other levels are low. That amount of oil on the belt will cause it to slip and squeal. Is there any indication that a catch cup was left in there when the oil was changed? Just wondering if that got caught in the belt and sprayed oil everywhere. Keep us posted on what they find.

Luckily I did the oil myself a week ago and I can remember disposing of the drip cup, so we can scratch that off the list.

I'm under the impression that the oil on the serp belt caused it to slip and fray a little, not the other way around but I can't be 100% sure.

 

[Arthur4R]

Looks like Engine oil to me, keep us posted.

 

[sdevine42]

Gotta say, I'm a little surprised with what they are attributing the problem to...

They are saying that the alternator failed and caused the serpentine belt to stop abruptly and then blew the crank shaft seal...

They are saying that it's totally unrelated to the replacement of the water pump/thermostat/etc.

I can't say that I fully understand how the alternator does that - does this explanation from the dealer make sense? Or does it make more sense that the massive amount of oil caused the alternator to fail?