Angelina
Roanoke,#2Author of original report
Fri, November 09, 2007
Steve, thanks for writing, - The AC was not on when it happened - I was their when the repairs were done, even after the tank was dropped, replaced the fuel pump, filter, spark plugs the engine was running again, but still knocking like gremlins were in their. - Pinpointed the sound to the idler pulley, replaced that. Still knocking just not at loud, examined belt it was clearly stretched. Replaced belt knocking resolved. - The belt had just been replaced a few months earlier and should not have needed replacement for some time. - The loud knocking from the idler pulley only started after the bad fuel and the engine jerking, coincidence that it happened at exactly the same time? I do know my way around my Explorers engine; maybe not as well at I know designer heels, but pretty good. I leave the more intense repairs to a qualified garage and mechanic that I trust, the completed repairs were necessary. At this point, I probably will have to take them to court to be reimbursed for the repairs, What a pain and inconvenience; I thought maybe just maybe, they would do the right thing, but no such luck. Filing a law suit around the Christmas Holidays what fun.
Steve
Bradenton,#3Consumer Suggestion
Fri, November 09, 2007
Angelina, Although I sympathize with your situation, there is some important info missing here and some bad info. First, you should also state the year of your vehicle and the mileage. I believe that Ford Explorer SUV should be run on at least the mid grade gas usually being 89 octane. Second, I can tell you for an absolute fact that the serpentine belt and idler pully were NOT damaged due to bad gas. If the shop told you this, they took you for a ride. When an engine "jerks", it is the entire assembly that jerks, as everything is connected to the block. There is no stress placed on the belt or pulley when that engine jerks. For this to happen, the belt would have to be routed around something not fastened to the engine. This is basic physics. I have an extensive mechanical background and have built and raced performance cars. The only thing that is likely to stretch or break that serpentine belt is a bad idler pulley, or your A/C locking up. Did you have your A/C on when it happened? You may have to file a small claims lawsuit, and/or file a complaint with a federal agency such as the federal trade commission. Include a signed statement of the mechanic. Good luck.