gazeebo 3 Posted May 3, 2014 Report Share Posted May 3, 2014 Hi folks, Got some issues with my 1997 P reg VR6 which are rather concerning me... Basically driving home yesterday when a loud noise started coming from under the bonnet.I pulled over and noticed that the aux drive belt was wavering from side to side and making a weird clicking/clanking sound coming from I think the water pump pulley which looked like it was loose. Managed to get home (1-2 miles) but in the mean time a hell of a lot of blue smoke was coming out the back of the car which was rather worrying.Eventually pulled onto my drive which resulted in the blue smoke filling the car and puffing out from under the bonnet...it was then that I smelt a strong burning rubber smell!! Immediately turned the ignition off and walked rather forlornly to inspect the obvious damage.Popped the bonnet and noticed that the aux drive belt was half the width that it should be.The belt looked like it wasn't in contact with the water pump pulley and also I had the battery charging light illuminate on the dash which obviously tells me that the alternator isn't being charged either.There was also loads of tiny pieces of rubber deposited over the engine which came from the belt as it was being burnt/shredded.There was also some water mixed in with that lot which I assume came from the water pump. Phoned my local garage and explained what had happened and was told that it sounded like the water pump had basically stopped working and seized.I was advised to bring it along to the garage first thing on Tuesday morning for them to have a proper look. Now their premises are not even a mile away so getting there won't be much trouble but is there anything I should check before venturing on that journey? It's also a garage that I've used for years so I do trust their knowledge etc.I've got basic mechanical know how so would be requiring them to do the job...but how much do you think I'd be looking at? I live in South East London(SE9 area)so any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks for reading this overly winded question...Gazeebo BTW I found the other half of the belt down the road this morning while taking pooch for a walk. Link to post Share on other sites
Therusterman 59 Posted May 3, 2014 Report Share Posted May 3, 2014 First thing I'd do is whip the auxiliary belt off-just wind a m6 (i think or m8) bolt into the tensioner to release the belt tension then take it off. Then you'll be able to spin the pulleys independently and see which one is causing the problem. Link to post Share on other sites
Lukey. 381 Posted May 3, 2014 Report Share Posted May 3, 2014 (edited) I would tow it if it was across the street. As far as the job, if it is the water pump you can get them cheap from VW as they are an exchange item, you can get conti tech belts from euro for way less than VW charge, and as the water pump is coming out and you'll lose all the coolant get 3 bottles of coolant from VW, G12plusplus or G13 whatever they have and a couple of 5l bottles of de ionised water from halfords. All these things will result in a proper job If the tensioner is buggered then that will be expensive, VW only part. And if you have a jack, a screwdriver and an Allen key set you can do a water pump change all yourself, cheap. Edited May 3, 2014 by Lukey. Link to post Share on other sites
gazeebo 3 Posted May 3, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2014 Thanks very much for the replies. Think I'll wait and see what the garage comes out with price wise before I attempt it myself. And as for getting there...is it a deffo no to driving it? Might have to phone them up to see if they'd consider coming and towing it. Link to post Share on other sites
Lukey. 381 Posted May 3, 2014 Report Share Posted May 3, 2014 The coolant won't be circulating at all, it's asking for warping the head. Link to post Share on other sites
Therusterman 59 Posted May 3, 2014 Report Share Posted May 3, 2014 Wouldn't risk driving it if you can avoid it buddy Link to post Share on other sites
wardycatt 7 Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 I wouldn't chance driving the car in its current condition. You should tow it to the garage. As for the cause, doesn't this just sound like the age-old tensioner pulley problem? These things fail all the time (many posts on here discussing it). I bought a replacement pulley wheel for the tensioner and a new belt, the repair cost me about £20 and took less than an hour as far as I can remember. You'll need a long M8 bolt as well. I know its probably sacrilege to post a link from another VW site, but here's a how to guide that may prove useful: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?1138497-DIY-Removing-a-VR6-serpentine-belt-tensioner-and-lubricating-the-tensioner-pulley-bearing Link to post Share on other sites
CALICO 130 Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 did the temperature go up too far or stay normal it may be just the tensioner has seized.still don't drive it as you wont have anything turning the pump Link to post Share on other sites
paceo 22 Posted May 9, 2014 Report Share Posted May 9, 2014 ive got a very good tensioner if you need one? i have greased the bearing up as they dry out! bloody expensive thing!! Link to post Share on other sites
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