Alternator belt snapped - options
09-08-2018, 04:20 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Alternator belt snapped - options
Hi gang... while driving my 993 yesterday there was a snapping thud in the engine compartment, then the battery light went on and the AntiLock warning light came on. Turns out the alternator belt snapped . Fortunately I was able to limp back home on battery power. It's obvious why the battery light went on but why the anti lock light?
I have a bit of a quandary on my hands here as I'm 50km (30mi) away from a reputable mechanic. I have a trickle charger, so if I top up the battery would I be able to make it that far? (It's highway driving) Or is that just crazy thinking? I also thought about ordering a new belt and trying to install it myself but I have no idea how difficult that would be. I typically do no work on the car simply because I don't want to mess something up. I'm not useless with tools (I've done some appliance repair etc) and I've changed oil in other older cars of mine, so if it's super easy maybe I should try that option? The problem is I have no idea what's involved.
What's the recommendation of the folks here?
I have a bit of a quandary on my hands here as I'm 50km (30mi) away from a reputable mechanic. I have a trickle charger, so if I top up the battery would I be able to make it that far? (It's highway driving) Or is that just crazy thinking? I also thought about ordering a new belt and trying to install it myself but I have no idea how difficult that would be. I typically do no work on the car simply because I don't want to mess something up. I'm not useless with tools (I've done some appliance repair etc) and I've changed oil in other older cars of mine, so if it's super easy maybe I should try that option? The problem is I have no idea what's involved.
What's the recommendation of the folks here?
09-08-2018, 04:59 PM
#2
Banned
Assuming you have good battery and a good trickle charger (one that shows the battery is fully charged) you should be ok well past 30 miles. Just do it during the day no lights etc. This also assumes the fan belt is ok.
Check this thread out, your mechanic will need certain tools (and the belt of course) https://rennlist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=602035&referrerid=93689
Check this thread out, your mechanic will need certain tools (and the belt of course) https://rennlist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=602035&referrerid=93689
09-08-2018, 05:05 PM
#3
Three Wheelin'
I thought the belt controls the water pump as well. Without the water pump working, your car won't make the 30 miles trip without overheating the engine for sure.
09-08-2018, 05:29 PM
#4
We don't have a water pump.
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rcg412 (08-19-2019)
09-08-2018, 06:37 PM
#5
Seared
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
09-09-2018, 12:16 AM
#6
SJW, a Carin' kinda guy
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
You should make it 30 Miles, but it is very easy to change the alternator and fan belt, the AC belt is the hard one because you have to take the ac compressor off — still not that hard. I had the same issue, cut the AC belt so as not to deal with it, and replaced the fan and alternator belts. Then I replaced the AC belt when I had time. Any local mechanic can do the alternator and can belt in 30min if you are not so inclined. Again, the fan belt must be intact. If not do not drive the car.
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09-09-2018, 09:03 AM
#9
Rennlist Member
I feel like I am in the DeLorean Forum 
09-09-2018, 10:02 AM
#10
Rennlist Member
Unless you have the proper 12 point wrench and other necessary tools, installing a new belt will be futile. If you will GOOGLE "emergency alternator belt" or "emergency fan belt", you'll find some very creative temporary fixes. I would still get the battery fully charged in case any of the temporary fixes failed or tended to slip. If you have an auto parts store nearby, call to see if they have an "emergency belt" that will get you to your mechanic. If you do install a temporary belt, just be sure it won't foul the fan belt.
09-09-2018, 12:18 PM
#15
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Hi MrCanuck
It's obvious why the battery light went on but why the anti lock light? I believe the antilock brake system has a relay that is powered to the on position with the ignition turned on. I suspect with the alternator not providing power the relay fails to sustain in the powered position and a fault results.
I have a bit of a quandary on my hands here as I'm 50km (30mi) away from a reputable mechanic. I have a trickle charger, so if I top up the battery would I be able to make it that far? I would think that distance is a bit of a stretch depending on battery condition. Also, make absolutely sure the fan belt is still intact as thinss will overheat.
I also thought about ordering a new belt and trying to install it myself but I have no idea how difficult that would be. Changing the belts was the first DIY I ever did, it is very easy and well documented here on Rennlist. The only special tool you will need is a star drive wrench to fit into the end of the alternator shaft. There may be one in your toolkit. If not one that fits over a socket wrench handle is readily available at an auto parts store or online. The hardest part is just a little annoying, getting the AC compressor mounts off without dropping the square nuts into the abyss. A little electrical tape as a safety will help one to avoid this.
Go for it!
Andy
It's obvious why the battery light went on but why the anti lock light? I believe the antilock brake system has a relay that is powered to the on position with the ignition turned on. I suspect with the alternator not providing power the relay fails to sustain in the powered position and a fault results.
I have a bit of a quandary on my hands here as I'm 50km (30mi) away from a reputable mechanic. I have a trickle charger, so if I top up the battery would I be able to make it that far? I would think that distance is a bit of a stretch depending on battery condition. Also, make absolutely sure the fan belt is still intact as thinss will overheat.
I also thought about ordering a new belt and trying to install it myself but I have no idea how difficult that would be. Changing the belts was the first DIY I ever did, it is very easy and well documented here on Rennlist. The only special tool you will need is a star drive wrench to fit into the end of the alternator shaft. There may be one in your toolkit. If not one that fits over a socket wrench handle is readily available at an auto parts store or online. The hardest part is just a little annoying, getting the AC compressor mounts off without dropping the square nuts into the abyss. A little electrical tape as a safety will help one to avoid this.
Go for it!
Andy