[2001 V70 2.4T] Hiccup in power steering / alternator when splashing through water

Post by **prwood** » 11 Mar 2019, 10:35

Twice in the past month, I have experienced a brief hiccup in power steering and alternator/electrical charging performance after splashing through standing water. Things typically go back to normal on their own within 30 seconds, or immediately if I rev the engine. I don't have a splash guard installed under the engine, but then again I've never had one in the 3+ years I've owned this car. I know I've splashed through some big puddles before, and this is the first time I've had this experience. Is this type of behavior expected when the accessory belt area gets hit with a splash of water, or should it be able to handle such a situation without a loss in performance?

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 11 Mar 2019, 10:54

Check the belt tension and condition. The water maybe lubricating or hydroplaning the belt just enough to cause slippage.

Post by **prwood** » 11 Mar 2019, 11:49

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑11 Mar 2019, 10:54 Check the belt tension and condition. The water maybe lubricating or hydroplaning the belt just enough to cause slippage.

Is there a rule of thumb for auxiliary belt tension? In the auxiliary belt/tensioner replacement instructions, VIDA just says "Check the rotation of the belt and the operation of the belt tensioner," with no specifics. Visually it looks fine, though I have a suspicion it's been contaminated by a chronic power steering fluid leak at the reservoir.

The current belt (Duralast brand) has 11,741 miles on it, and the current tensioner (also Duralast brand) has 29,910 miles.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 11 Mar 2019, 12:22

prwood wrote: ↑11 Mar 2019, 11:49 I have a suspicion it's been contaminated by a chronic power steering fluid leak at the reservoir.

Rub the belt with a paper towel, see if the paper towel picks up any Power Steering Fluid.
Power Steering Fluid would lower the Coefficient of friction, that would explain the symptoms.

Post by **abscate** » 11 Mar 2019, 14:06

The serpentine belt tension is set by the tensioner, unlike the lever job you had to do on Dads Oldsmobile.

Thats why the belts last forever, too.

Im guessing its oily and the water/oil is making it slip.

Preventative Maintenance Model - replace serp belts at 60k/5 years. My 1999 manual says 'inspect' at 60k. WTF?

Post by **prwood** » 12 Mar 2019, 07:34

Once I eliminate any sources of belt contamination, would I need to replace the belt, or would cleaning it be sufficient?

I'm assuming that using brake cleaner or other harsh chemicals on the belt would be a bad idea. For cleaning it, I had two ideas:
1. Start the engine, then hit both sides of the belt and all pulleys with sprays of soapy water (mild detergent like Dawn) until everything is wet, then follow up with sprays of clean water to rinse, and let it spin itself dry.
-or-
2. Remove the belt, wash it in a tub of soapy water, rinse in clean water, air dry or dry with compressed air. While belt is off, spray down pulleys with brake cleaner to remove any contamination.

Post by **oragex** » 12 Mar 2019, 07:54

Could it be some exposed wire or even electrical module? Also look at the ECM cover, especially at the bottom, those covers are not always well fitted and may have a gap (@17:00 into the video www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg-lsya-LiY).

May try to source that engine shield skid plate, I use it and it keeps the ice off the belts/pulleys in winter time as well, and also protects the corrosion prone power steering lines to the rack for 01-03 years https://www.ipdusa.com/products/11463/1 ... 0-v70-xc70

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 12 Mar 2019, 08:09

prwood wrote: ↑12 Mar 2019, 07:34 I'm assuming that using brake cleaner or other harsh chemicals on the belt would be a bad idea.

Simple Green.
You could try the degreaser at a car wash, then pressure wash the whole engine bay. Get all the crap that may recontaminate the belt.

Post by **prwood** » 12 Mar 2019, 08:48

oragex wrote: ↑12 Mar 2019, 07:54 Could it be some exposed wire or even electrical module? Also look at the ECM cover, especially at the bottom, those covers are not always well fitted and may have a gap (@17:00 into the video www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg-lsya-LiY).

Could *any* exposed wire in the engine bay cause this problem? I'll take a look, but any time that I've worked with bare copper I've always wrapped it thoroughly in electrical tape.

I've only ever removed the top lid on the ECM box, never the plastic box that surrounds it; however, it is probably worth a look.

What is the purpose of all the tinfoil in the engine bay of the car in that video?

oragex wrote: ↑12 Mar 2019, 07:54 May try to source that engine shield skid plate, I use it and it keeps the ice off the belts/pulleys in winter time as well, and also protects the corrosion prone power steering lines to the rack for 01-03 years https://www.ipdusa.com/products/11463/1 ... 0-v70-xc70

It's on the long list...

Post by **oragex** » 12 Mar 2019, 09:25

I wrapped the foil over the A/C lines, the A/C cools just not at 100%, the foil may help a tad insulate the lines from the engine heat