Idler Pully Broke?

[kcwebguy]

2002 Mercury Mountaineer, AWD, 4.6L SOHC

I lost my serpentine belt last night. Broken belt is very thin with lots of stripped ribs. Bought car used at 120K miles. Has 190,000 now. Checked the belt at purchase. Didn't change it.

Went to put on new belt today. The parts that should move freely all do.

BUT... I think I am missing a pulley! What is it supposed to look like there?

Here are a couple images to explain the problem:

Pully A is the questionable pulley.

Another view.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Sure looks like it's missing to me... Oops!

 

[kcwebguy]

Confirmed Missing!

There is supposed to be a ribbed idler pulley there. Ford part #1L2Z6C348AA. AutoZone has an aftermarket version. Price $26.99 for the part.

(Special thanks to the friendly Ford Parts Counter in my area for the help...)

 

[pet575]

Agreed. Looks like it is gone.

 

[MadMex]

While doing 60 on the highway this am, I lost all control capabilities on my 94 Ex... managed to get it home, overheating of course. Opened the hood and found my new serpentine had come plum off. Any ideas as to what I should be looking for. Don't really want to pay a mechanic to tell me what I hopefully can learn on this site. Thanks in advance. Somewhat of a nb, so I hope i'm on the right page to post!

 

[lounge lizard]

check the top pulley which is an idler pulley as well. it may be going bad as well.

which makes it lean in toward the front of the truck. then the belt falls off the front of the motor

 

[MadMex]

Lounge Lizard you hit the nail on the head. I found the idler pulley lodged in between the block and hoses. Seems as if the pulley just unscrewed itself somehow. Luckily I was able to salvage the bolt and front washers...bearings totally shot. Not sure which way the thin flat washer goes though. Off to pick up a new one and am going to replace the tensioner while I'm at it. Very scary feeling when everything quit. Now if my cooling system is oK ?? Thanks.