Leaving a Mardi Gras parade last night, suddenly had smoke pouring out from under hood, then lost power steering. Fan belt appears to have burned off. It may be 10 years old; have no recollection of ever changing it. Left it at a bank parking lot.
Anyone ever experienced this kind of belt failure?
Will mechanic need to scrape gunk off every pulley?
Will this cost a mint?
Everything is closed today for Mardi Gras so will have it towed to Ford dealer most likely tomorrow. I can't really afford a $400 repair bill right now. Most independent shops in area of New Orleans are either still closed due to Katrina, or have more business than they can handle.
I haven't changed a serpentine belt in 20 years and not sure I'm up to the task, but I could find a way to tow it home if it is feasible for me to clean the pulleys myself.
Thanks for any advice.
