As TourDeForce stated, and with your descriptions, I would agree.
You stated that you heard a distinct slapping sound, like a belt on the underside of the hood. There is a timing belt underneath the cam cover, and stated, and there is the drive belt (aka serpentine belt) that drives your alternator, and a/c.
Tour, I am not that familiar with the Zetec, but I am assuming that the WP is driven on a pulley by the timing belt. If the belt were to break, as suspected, would there be an overheating condition, or not?
15 miles is more than far enough, (especially with stop/go traffic lights, and signs) to overheat.
Curious now as well.
Ray
