More second hand GTX problems

Just got another update on my ex car.
Water pump belt (not the accessory belt that had problems before?) snapped. This was fixed, but then soon afterwards the water pump itself exited the vehicle. I guess it didn't unscrew first but pulled the screws out. I believe it's not fixed yet, and there's no idea on time frame. If the screws stripped, might have to heli-coil to put in new threads. I wonder what the thermostat said during the belt and water pump problems? I replaced the sending unit so the dash would read the temp, but afterwards it never went up more than a little more than before the replacement. I assumed the actual thermostat was a low temp unit and kept it cool.

This car can't stay running. I feel bad about this affecting a friend.

User error

While I heard this second hand, I believe it to be true.
I may have mentioned that the accessory belt was squealing on startup. The new owner adjusted it so it didn't do that. I assumed he made it tighter. If it was looser, it wouldn't turn the accessories, including the alternator which charges the battery. Then, when he replaced the alternator, I would have assumed he'd tighten the belt again.
What I heard is that it was loose and not turning the alternator and that's why it wasn't charging the battery. Don't know if the mechanic figured this out or he did.

all good, all bad

I talked to him and he tested the extra alternator and it was ok. He ended up swapping it himself, and the car left him stranded again, and the first alternator is also showing as good. So, we have 2 good batteries and 2 good alternators, so the problem must be a weird electrical gremlin. Told him I'd pay to fix it.

alternator updated

Talked to him, and he confirmed the information I'd received second hand. He does have a spare battery, so they know it's not a battery problem. I told him to take the spare alternator to a parts store to test it (which I think some do), and if it's good, install it. I'd go help him tomorrow, when I normally have a day off, but I have to work instead. I still think, and he confirmed looking at the shop manual, that this is an easy job although Mobil rates it 3 of 5.

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Car_Care/DIY/Replacing_An_Alternator.aspx

I've offered to pay for a replacement alternator if the spare is bad. If I do, it'll be a rebuild unit. I won't bother saving more buying a junkyard unit, nor spring for a new unit that costs 50% more.

Gone, but not forgotten

Sold the GTX two weeks ago; did the title update on Tuesday. Today, I hear that it stranded the new owner with no power. Battery ran dead because the alternator failed. I checked the list of spare parts I received (and handed off) with the GTX, and an alternator was one of them.
I also checked the original inspection, and there was nothing about electrical problems other than a partially charged battery.

I believe this is an easy fix. Given that he has the part and the shop manual. Normal billable hours is 2-3hrs, a good afternoon project.

Car almost beat me

Right after I posted the last entry I went out to the GTX to drive home, and the driver door was frozen shut. After trying to get it loose, I tried the passenger door. It too was frozen shut. Again it refused to budge. After going back and forth trying to get them open, I tried the hatch, and it opened easily. My parcel shelf has been wired for speakers, so I can't remove it. So, I dropped the back seats and crawled into the back, under the shelf, into the back seat. I righted the back seats, and moved both the front seats to allow easier access to the driver's seat. Once in the front, I started the car, managed to shoulder the driver door open and used my scraper to clear snow and ice and drove home.

Drove it again two days later. No problems getting in and starting it, but when I turned the defroster on, it started snowing in the car. Not having AC, it was sucking outside air into the car. Once the engine warmed up, the hot air prevented it from snowing. Still, a weird effect. When it first started, I checked to see if the moon roof had opened or leaked.

La Machine!

The weather report was for snow Thursday morning and more Friday. I wanted to make sure I had the GTX back to take advantage of the snow. I arranged to pick it up on Tuesday, and after filling it up, and an uneventful drive home (even the seat felt more comfortable than I remember). I pre-staged it for snow. Today we had 7 inches of light, fluffy snow. The GTX didn't miss a beat and felt wonderful doing four wheel drifts.
The front windshield had a little fog that I couldn't get rid of, but I didn't try high fan with heat, only cold. I noticed a tunnel under the snow on the roof at the back of the sunroof, but didn't detect any leaking inside. I also noticed the dome light was working, for the second time ever; will check that again tonight.

It's waiting for me, covered in ice, with small icicles hanging from the front bumper. I'm looking forward to the trip home!