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Even if the alternator was GONE completely it's not going to damage the engine, all the alternator does is charge the battery much like the air conditioner only cools the air, you don't ruin the engine not having the air conditioner compressor in place.
You might only be able to drive a half hour with no alternator before the battery dies since everything will be running off the battery only.
Ever heard of a serpentine belt that drives more than one accessory?
including the alternator, water pump, A/C compressor, and power steering pump, all from one belt?
Ok further info and thanks for all the replies, I am really stressed out over this whole matter. I have been driving my wife to work and having to leave my work a half hour early each day.
To clarify the car is a 2010 kia 4cyl.....
What MODEL Kia please?
There are many Kia 4 cyl models and they do not all use the same engine.
If you provide full information, I can look up what belt(s) drive(s) what.
Even if the alternator was GONE completely it's not going to damage the engine, all the alternator does is charge the battery much like the air conditioner only cools the air, you don't ruin the engine not having the air conditioner compressor in place.
You might only be able to drive a half hour with no alternator before the battery dies since everything will be running off the battery only.
Let me lay this out for you:
Alternator mounting is defective.
Alternator shifts out of position.
Belt is tossed.
This belt also drives the water pump.
Engine overheats.
Engine damage ensues.
If the OP would tell us the exact model and engine option I could confirm alternator and water pump share the same belt. Last I looked, all we had was 2010 Kia.
The OP should follow Don's advice and contact their insurance company. This garage is responsible for any damage that has occurred from faulty installation.
Even if the alternator was GONE completely it's not going to damage the engine, all the alternator does is charge the battery much like the air conditioner only cools the air, you don't ruin the engine not having the air conditioner compressor in place.
You might only be able to drive a half hour with no alternator before the battery dies since everything will be running off the battery only.
It also provides electricity for the ignitionsystem, such as coilpacks and distribitors. The battery runs se accessories, but its really there for rhe starter.
Went to Home Depot to get a paint sprayer and had a hard time getting large box in wifes compact. Then it turns out I need some lumber to replace some dry rot, no roof rack to haul stuff.
On vacation this next week with no car to go out prospecting either.
All those days that are so uneventful sure seem like great days now. Lifes little tests always remind me, NASA says no matter how bad a situation is the wrong choice can make it much worse..lol
Thanks for all the replies, I am really liking this forum!!
The repair shop is telling me I need a new engine. They say I have emissions gasses in my coolant and that the head gasket and heads may be cracked. I saw them test pressure in my radiator and it does not hold pressure. Looks like the plastic filler pc is bad as plastic pcs stuck to radiator cap. Basically the cap doesnt seal on the plastic below it.
Shop still playing with me saying they are only responsible for the alternator belt and that the overheating killed the engine and they did not overheat my engine....grrr sooo frustrating... direct cause and effect of installing a known bad bolt and not advising me to not drive it back to there shop.
Will be heading back for another round of insisting they cover all repairs and picking up my vehicle. I asked them if it is running and ok to drive 400 yards home and they said yes...like I have not heard em tell me that before... what do you guys think am I opening up a can of worms by driving it very short distance home and then 3 miles to a different shop?
Deal with their insurance. If the belt came off, then yes the faulty alternator installation directly lead to the overheating of the engine because the water pump stopped working due to the belt coming off. It's as simple as that.
Definitely don't drive it. I tend to believe there is 50/50 responsibility. Yes, they did shoddy work and the belt misaligned and came off. On the other hand, you knew about it and drove it anyway and overheated it.
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