Snapped, replaced, now worried!

[ropeman23]

So, I snapped a fanbelt in the middle of rural France and didn't have a spare! After a lot of cycling and bad French I got it sorted. Bad, bad, horrible day.

Once I had found a replacement (5th time lucky!) I have now noticed on tick over that my flywheel pulley wobbles / oscillates. If I rev the engine it stops and spins true. Is this a clear sign that my big ends are on their way? Can't think what else would cause this.... It is done up tight.

[Ian Hulley]

Engine type ? Could be you had a bent pulley all along ... something made you belt wear out and snap.

I can't believe you actually went away in the van without a spare alt drive belt ... let alone to France.

[ropeman23]

Sorry... 2.1DJ

Yea I know 3000 miles without a spare belt! I had two spare CV joints, but completely forgot about an aux belt....

Would a bent pulley run true when revved? I reckon the wobble on tick over wore the belt quicker than it should, it was only about 8000 miles since I last changed it.

[Ian Hulley]

Sorry... 2.1DJ

With it switched off and the belt(s) off feel for play in the pulley, it's not unknown for the keyways to wear and the pulley coming loose.

Ian

[ropeman23]

I'll check it tomorrow and report back

[ropeman23]

I'll check it tomorrow and report back

Still not got round to having a look, the van's parked up at work at the moment.