Date:         Wed, 4 Jul 2001 17:38:58 -0600
Reply-To:     John Silverman <jsilver@AROS.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Silverman <jsilver@AROS.NET>
Subject:      overheating on the fourth
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

Last night, we headed up to the Unita mountain range (about an hour from
Salt Lake City) in Vic (90 syncro Westy).  It was a hot evening, and the
needle was above the red light, but not unusually high.  The fan should
come on appropriately, and cool things off (no AC).  We drove for almost an
hour after dark, and things had cooled off reasonably.  We got into the
mountains, and maneuvering around to find a level spot to camp, I noticed
the temp light flashing, and so was the battery light.  The temp was pegged
as well.  The radiator fan didn't want to come on. And, steam out of the
back, w/ a little coolant dripping.  Well, needless to say, we didn't get a
level site last night.  I poled around w/ a headlamp, but wasn't able to
discern anything.

This AM I discovered that the fan/alternator belt had broken, explaining
the flashing battery light.  My supposition is that this belt also works
the water pump, which would explain the overheating and the fan not coming
on.  Is this the case??  I assume there is a built-in overflow valve
(pressure relief) from the expansion tank.  Aside from refilling the
coolant, is there anything else I need to check??

Is this a simple belt to replace??

Let this serve as a gentle reminder to you all--check your belts and hoses,
and think about carrying spares...

John
90 syncro westy
SLC