Date:         Tue, 6 Feb 2001 20:45:45 -0800
Reply-To:     Chris Bracken <cbracken@SAN.RR.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chris Bracken <cbracken@SAN.RR.COM>
Subject:      Re: Need help with belts
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

John Klun wrote:

> A few years ago, Shell Gasoline published a series of helpful hints pamphlets
> covering various quick fixes when you break down on the road.  One of them had to
> do with broken belts.  They recommended using your wife's, girl friend's,
> mistress's (or even your own) panty hose.  Simply roll it up tightly, run it
> around the pulleys and tie it tight with a small knot.  This should get you to
> the nearest repair facility.

Just remember to remove the occupant from the panty hose first!
Seriously, just get the water pump/alt belt on; you can drive without PS.
The alternator has a pivot on the bottom that must be loosened, and an adustment bolt
on the top that also must be loosened; turn the alternator body CCW to reduce
tension, put the new belt on,
turn alt. body CW as far as you can, tighten top bolt, than pivot bolt, drive to
shop.
Good luck,
Chris
87 Wolfie


>
>
> Benjamin Tan wrote:
>
> > Steven,
> >
> > << 1) Can I drive 5 miles to a shop beltless?  Certainly I can do without
> >      power steering or A/C, and I ought to be OK without the alternator
> >      for a while.  So, I suppose the only worry is the water pump?
> >      Can I run for 5 miles un-cooled on a cold day, if I watch my
> >      temperature gauge?  (Note: when my belts broke 7 months ago, I
> >      didn't realize it at first, and kept driving.  Within 5 minutes,
> >      the coolant distributer box had burst, necessitating a tow and yet
> >      another round of expensive repairs.  Obviously I don't want to
> >      repeat that, but it was in the middle of summer, and I wondered
> >      if that might make a difference).>>
> >
> > ABSOLUTELY NOT. You will likely break the water T-pipe again if drive w/o the
> > water pump running. The alternator and the water pump share a belt. The other
> > stuff you can get away with.
> >
> > <<(2) I think Wal-Mart carries temporary-use "emergency belts" that strap
> >      on easily.  Any thoughts about using one of those to get the van to a
> > shop?>>
> >
> > Belts are relatively easy to replace. However, if you must use the temporary
> > belts, they should work if you are able to cinch it up to get the water pump
> > and alternator running. I have personally used a cable tie (a giant version
> > of those little plastic ties used for wiring and stuff) as a temporary belt.
> >
> > << Any ideas what would cause new belts to spontaneously break?>>
> >
> > It is possible that the plastic shielding from the AC compressor slipped
> > under the belts and caused them to twist on each other. Tightening the belt
> > too much can cause this too.
> >
> > Changing belts is as easy as loosening bolts. Slipping the old belt off. New
> > belt on. Put tension son the belt. Then tighten it all back up.
> >
> > BenT
> > San Francisco