C4ptainCox

I just now had something seize up in the belt system of my '81 928. I was made aware of this by the sudden massive amount of screeching coming from the engine bay and I immediately pulled over and shut down the motor.

Anyone ever have this happen before? I'm sitting waiting for the AAA guy right this minute...

SeanR

Can it crank over? Can you see your accessory belts and if so what condition are they?

CardinalCar

Was the engine still running while the screeching occurred?

There aren't too many options: alternator, power steering, etc. The screeching was probably the belt dragging across a pulley that wouldn't turn.

C4ptainCox

They're all in good shape and plenty tight and it cranks over and runs just fine.

SeanR

So why are you sitting on the side of the road?

1989porsche928

lol your funny seanr

1989porsche928

that is a good question, why would you have a noise? are you sure it did not come from your tire? what does your power steering fluid level look like?

SeanR

Not trying to be a dick, it comes naturally .

I'd take a look at what ^^ said and see how the PS level is. If good start the car, take a look to see if the air pump is rotating (it's the upper most pulley on the passenger side, above the airconditioner) if the pulley is not turning cut the belt and continue on.

Richard S

My air pump seized on me once...horribly scary noise as the accessory belt dragged across it. Cut the belt, good to go. Had to watch the temp gauge, as that belt also ran the cooling fan.

Rich

76FJ55

We're you running the AC?

The only real problematic one would be if the timing belt tensioner bearing locked up. That would likely cause a TB failure in short order, but your 81 should be non-interference so it wouldn't be the end of the world if it failed.

You can pretty much run for a limited lime with any of the other belts removed. Indefinitely with the AC belt off and probably with the air-pump/fan belt too. With the alternator belt you have however far the battery will get you, which would be much further in the day as you wouldn't need lighting.

tailpipe

Air conditioning idler bearing under the clutch is prolly locked up just cut the belt been there done that....

danglerb

My bet on AC or air pump, neither serious.

C4ptainCox

Yes. The sound was definitely coming from an accessory belt dragging.

Honestly, I couldn't see much in the dark and I couldn't tell which accessory was binding up...

Definitely not from any of the tires, it was a belt squeel. Power steering fluid level is fine.

AC was off.

I had it towed so I could work on it in the comfort of my own work space and I pulled the Scirocco out of the barn so I'll be driving that for the next few days.
I haven't actually had the chance since yesterday to diagnose and find out for certain which accessory was the problem, but I'll post an update as soon as I do.

Thanks everyone for all of the info and advice! I really appreciate the help!

C4ptainCox

So it is the air-pump. I'm toying with the idea of removing it and changing out the viscous fan with an electric one.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

danglerb

Options in increasing order of difficulty and cost;

Replace the air pump.
Find a Euro air pump delete pulley and bracket.
Install an electric fan and controller, plus maybe upgrade alternator.

I'm not sure, but maybe removing air pump will reduce life and/or effectiveness of factory cat.