Broke Drive Belt, Long tow ride home

[ejmpower]

Well I went up to Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez (about 25 miles north of Santa barbara, ca). About 5 miles away from the casino I get a battery light come on along with an antii-lock break light. I had just dont the cluster mod so I thought maybe my capacitor work went bad. But then as I kept driving the water temp climbed up into the red. When I got to the casino I looked under the hood and sure enough the drive belt for the alternator and water pump had snapped. To make a long story short about 2 hours later I put her on a flat bed and finally got home at 1 in the morning. I hope there isnt any damage and it was sad considering I had ordered all new belts only a few days ago.

[uscharalph]

Just a reminder for all of us to change that drive belt before it's due.

[632 Regal]

yes, maintenance is key.

[Kalevera]

Hmm...Eric, this is really amusing to me. After work I decided to mess around with Fritz a bit and see how badly the radiator (due to explode at any minute) is doing. One of the techs I work with stops by to look for a second and notices that my fan belt is about 10 running minutes away from snapping. %@#%!! That's a 6 month old belt! (not Conti, but still). Thankfully, we had a 1055 in stock, so I got that on in a few minutes and was outta there.

Like Ralph said -- watch your tensioners. Also, keep a spare belt in the trunk if you don't already. I keep a few ~860s and one 1065 (a bit too big, but it would do the trick) in the back just in case. Same goes for the M50/M60 guys...an extra serpentine will make you VERY happy that you have it.

best, whit

[Incantation]

hmm so what belts should i have in the car?

[Kalevera]

Adam -- Get a 13 x 1055 and a 10 x 865. The 1055 is for the fan, the 865 takes care of the power steering, but will probably suffice for A/C (if that becomes an emergency item, or something).

BTW -- changer's DONE and works GREAT! Thanks again, man!

Best, whit