Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2003 00:12:28 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: 007 smoke screen / battery light - TROUBLE!
In-Reply-To: <008301c338d7$e4653d30$db71c518@D3YSP511>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
This could be real trouble. When the AC lost power, the alternator and
water pump was no longer driven. Without water flow, the temp gauge is
almost useless as you no longer have coolant flowing past it. In this
state, when the gauge does rise, it is due to steam generation forcing
water to flow and building pressure rapidly. Rubber gasket damage, head
and case warping, and other nastiness are beginning. The belt fraying
may indicate a failed component but since there were no indicating
noises, a more likely cause is that the belt was not tensioned properly.
Having the AC blowers on high combined with the supporting radiator fan
places a tremendous load on the alternator. This will cause a loose or
worn belt to slip continuously and eventually burn itself up. This belt
has to be tight as it is not a properly designed belt drive. The belt
has less than 45 degree wrap on the engine pulley. A proper belt drive
should be as close to 180 degree wrap as possible to transmit full
torque. What VW was thinking that day I don't know.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
Of SD Kraning
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2003 12:04 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 007 smoke screen / battery light - TROUBLE!
Hi All-
On my way home from work Friday, I noticed the a/c dropped to about half
power (was on high speed) and then my battery light came on. Of course I
said the obligatory "Oh SHIT!!" and started looking for a place to pull
over. I was on the interstate, so I had to drive another 1/2 mile or so
before I could even get to a shoulder. By then, there was white smoke
billowing out of both rear vents and the temp guage had started to rise.
Oh- and the power steering was out.
Opened the engine compartment up to a big mess of coolant all over and
lots of steam. Another "Oh Shit" followed by more cussing. The problem
was pretty obvious - a belt was off and frayed pretty badly which
connected three pulleys (I think the alternator / ac compressor / and
the water pump maybe(??))
Any ideas on what would cause this? I'm thinking that since the belt
didn't actually break, one of the components siezed. Not sure which one,
but I have a feeling maybe it's the water pump. It was just weird that
it happened so fast - no noises or warning signs - just a/c lost some
power and the battery light came on :(
thanks,
Scott
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