Battery light on and no hot air

[Azi]

Originally Posted by one_love

thanks for the explanations. I've had the timing belt replaced already, i know my water pump is "seeping" but i check coolant every few weeks and never notice level changes...hopefully it is just the belt. When i had the timing belt changed i didn't change the accessory belt because i was/am on a budget...I am a student on a budget however, so would it be worthwhile to bring the car into the mechanic to confirm and have them then do the work, or should i just grab a belt myself from pepboys or somewhere cheaper, have them replace it and then see what else is up?

seeping doesn't mean that you are loosing coolant. What it does mean is that the shaft seal has broken and coolant is entering the water pump housing. if the coolant contaminates the bearings, you will lose all lubrication.

[Brian MP5T]

You can not drive this car to anywhere without a belt.

No Water moving = Instant Overheat.

The Temp Indicator uses a probe outside of the motor. It is not going to tell you the temperature unless the coolant is moving.

The Fact that the temp indicator moved to the top already once means to me that you have already sent the engine nuclear.

Either Add The Belt NOW or Tow it to someone who can fix it for you.

If you are going to drive this car without a belt, you might as well as well drain the oil out and fill the engine with dirt too.

[991.8l]

^ good advice right here.

[one_love]

I haven't driven the car since I had the problem, I am driving the family car. I'll also definitely tow it to my mechanic. Just hoping now that it is just a belt issue and nothing else.

[Brian MP5T]

You can install a belt in 10 Seconds... It is a waste of money to do tow it..

If the Alternator Spins Freely and the Water Pump Spin Freely, then put the belt on yourself.

[one_love]

I won't be able to check to see if the belt is there until tomorrow, but assuming it is gone, you're saying i can easily install it myself? what does this entail?

[Brian MP5T]

You unlock the alternator bolt, Back off the adjuster fully... Put the belt on and apply tension to the belt with the adjuster, then lock it down.

I cant think of anything on the car that is easier to do except perhaps filling the Blue Stuff, or filling the car with gas...

[burlingtonprotege]

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=387455

Originally Posted by Brian MP5T

You unlock the alternator bolt, Back off the adjuster fully... Put the belt on and apply tension to the belt with the adjuster, then lock it down.

I cant think of anything on the car that is easier to do except perhaps filling the Blue Stuff, or filling the car with gas...

[one_love]

^ thanks, actually made me feel better about my luck hahaha

[thuzil]

Just pick up the belt today from the dealership. Partsource sells a belt too, but it is not exactly the same as the dealer belt. You need the alternator accessory belt. Like Brian said it is really easy to put on. If you feel uneasy about adjusting the tension properly, put it on and get it tight enough to push down about 1/2 inch with moderate force using one finger. Then drive it to your mechanic for a proper tensioning. You can also buy a tension measuring tool from NAPA.