Serpentine belt broke now it is hard to start with it off.

[J-jizzle]

Hello all. It's been a really long time since my last post but here is my question for my 120,000 mile 1.8t A4.

Driving to Helen GA tonight my belt broke (it probably was time to replace it) driving through Atlanta. With very limited tools, time or contacts I had no choice to get a tow. (Unfortunately to a Firestone after hours).

When the tow truck showed up the car would turn over great but would not start. We figured out it would start if you held the gas pedal to the floor.? When the car is running it would only pull about 10-15inHG of vacuum instead of 20. So I think the belt breaking might of caused a boost leak. (I didn't see anything)

Is my assumption correct or is this normal operation if the belt is off the car?

Thanks.

[Molotov]

You know your car wont run long with the serp. belt off right? I would put a new one on before trying to diagnose any 'problems'. You only need a Cresent wrench or appropriately sized box end (search will inform you what size for tensioner) to repair your vehicle.

[hightime80]

17mm box wrench. Put it on the notch and turn clockwise. Viola.

[J-jizzle]

Yes I know the battery will drain if I keep running it. Actually did not try to diagnose long. I was not in a good place or able to get parts easy. Only real help was a quick tow. By then everything was closing. Just wondering what to expect from the shop call tomorrow.