That does use a spring-loaded tensioner pulley. Did you tug on that to get the new belt on? If you didn't, that would explain why you had to struggle so hard.
Also, since you're hearing noises, look at the harmonic balancer. That's the large pulley on the bottom on the crankshaft that drives the belt. The pulley is a cast iron outer ring that is glued to the hub and often that glue lets go. That will stop the belt from turning.
As far as driving it like that, the water pump is driven by the timing belt so overheating the engine is not a concern. You will not have power steering or a charging system. The car will steer really hard at low speeds but it will steer. The faster you go the less you'll miss the power assist. At highway speeds you won't even notice the loss of power steering assist but be aware that every time you turn the steering wheel with the power steering pump not running some fluid may get pushed out and make a mess. No need to panic over that but you will want to refill the system with the correct fluid once the belt issue is fixed.
Without the charging system you will be able to drive somewhere between a half hour to potentially as much as two hours before the battery runs dead. The biggest draw on the battery is the starter so don't stop the engine for short periods of time such as when sitting at a stop light. Some weird things will start to happen when the battery runs down. Before the engine stalls you may start to see a bunch of warning lights turn on as various computers shut down or become confused from low system voltage. Those things should clear up once the battery is recharged.
Tuesday, September 18th, 2012 AT 2:15 AM