<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/28030/t-belt.jpg"></center><p>Took my car in for a new thermostat because the temp gauge was indicating the car wasn't coming up to the proper operating temp. When the took the covers off, this is what they found. YIKES!

The guy I bought the car from told me the timing belt service had been done. I think not. My mechanic said the car did have a brand new accessory drive belt. I wonder how much he paid for that "timing belt"?

Anyway, to think I almost postponed my appointment until February...

Done a t belt job 11,000 miles ago.. By looking it over, and by letting him tension the T belt on the new engine I brought him, I noticed that he had the belt tensioned way too tight- thus the result of causing the tensioner go bad and spin off. A over tensioned belt will also put a lot of stress on the water pump and could give you leaks and overall causes premature wear on all the parts.

SO before you accuse the guy of not doing a repair he said he did, know that you can't ever be sure when the Firestone repair shop or Pep boys could have done the job incorrectly-

I'm just thanking my lucky stars for a bad thermostat!