What would you do when the belt breaks? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Legolas894 · 07-11-2009, 09:41 PM

Lovely day, sun shining, going down a back road at 50MPH, windows rolled down and AM radio shrieking. Then a thump noise and the generator light comes on. Pull over and no alternator belt to be seen. I thought, oh well, I can run off the battery till I get home (about 15 minutes longer). My truck is manual everything so no other belts off the main pulley. After about 5 minutes, it hits me that I also don't have a water pump working now. I pull in to a hardware store and look for a furnace fan v-belt. Went through a couple and 4L-430 seems to fit snug enough.

My question is, how long can you go without a water pump turning? Did I damage the engine going for 5 minutes without any water pumping? Air flow would have only been during motion and I didn't stop for too long with the engine running. Should you just park it and call AAA?

Longhorn Man · 07-11-2009, 10:13 PM

air flow doesn't mean jack if there's no coolant flow.
However, now that you have the belt on there, go drive it and see how it acts.
If there is any damage, you'll know it, look at the tail pipe when you fire it and rev it a few times... odds are though, it'll be so obviouse grandma would know somthing is wrong.
Assuming your temperature light works, it would have come on if you overheated it, and even then, they can take some heat.

Legolas894 · 07-12-2009, 10:11 AM

Thanks for the reply. Ironically, I was on my way back from the parts store with a new temperature switch since the PO had a gauge-style sensor (without any connections!!!) installed in the water outlet. I put the switch in when I got home. Everything seems fine. I wanted to see what thermostat was in there but I can't get the water oulet neck off. Even with the impact wrench. Hope it's not stuck closed !

Longhorn Man · 07-12-2009, 10:15 AM

why would it be stuck closed?
You are stressing over nothing.

Legolas894 · 07-12-2009, 11:06 AM

LHMan, You're probably right. The PO probably drove that for years like that with no worries.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 07-12-2009, 11:52 AM

I had the same thing happen (broken belt) and had to drive about 5 minutes without water pumping. My temp gauge went all the way to hot (pegged) in that time but no damage occured. I think you'll be OK.

PanelDeland · 07-12-2009, 11:55 AM

Have the young lady next to you pull off her pantyhose and make them into a makeshift fanbelt.It's gotten more than one person home.I doubt she had any on in the summer though.Buy 2 and put one behind the seat.

Average Joe · 07-12-2009, 12:31 PM

Man I saw that pantyhose trick on the A Team once. Didnt know it actually worked. Righteous....

Skirkpat · 07-12-2009, 01:22 PM

everytime I change my belts, the old ones go where I put the last old ones...in the trunk or behind the seat. I actually had a serpantine belt break on an S-10 I had in the 90's, I was on a date, the girl was amazed that I got it to "run" again in a couple of minutes....she was VERY appreciative

Skirkpat · 07-12-2009, 01:28 PM

oops, double post

Legolas894 · 07-12-2009, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

Have the young lady next to you pull off her pantyhose and make them into a makeshift fanbelt.It's gotten more than one person home.I doubt she had any on in the summer though.Buy 2 and put one behind the seat.

Good idea. Maybe I should put a defective belt on. Sounds like a good play....

**special-K** · 07-12-2009, 08:00 PM

The gals I run with don`t wear panty hose.I carry my last belt I replaced.I`ve driven really far without a belt by cutting the motor off on hills and whenever I don`t need power.
I`ve also had a chunk of water pump gasket come out and lost all my water.My clue was the temp gauge up on hot.I shut it down and drifted a long way before stopping.But,the damage was done.

69GMCLonghorn · 07-12-2009, 11:45 PM

Useless story I'll share with ya whether you like it or not:

A few years ago when I was putting a new motor in my truck, I took my "spare" classic ('67 Caddy) to Bob's Big Boy over here in Toluca Lake (infamous, google it). Friday nights are CRAZY over there. Jay Leno used to roll up in one of his rides after taping the Tonight Show... Good times... Well, it was hotter than a 10 cent whore on Nickel Night this one time (probably over 100°). I commented to a buddy that my Caddy NEVER overheats! Runs cool as a cucumber regardless of how hot is outside. Famous last words... I popped a freeze plug out of the head coming home at Midnight. I got towed home, spent 89 cents on a freeze plug, a few bucks for some coolant and away she went! Gotta love old iron! Takes a lickin' and comes back for more...

**special-K** · 07-13-2009, 06:51 AM

89 CENTs!!??? You could have had your fun and gone home with change on nickle night!

You`re right.The old iron is more forgiving.

Skirkpat · 07-13-2009, 09:44 AM

When I first started driving, I had a 75 Monte Carlo that I bought for a beater. It had a very small leak in the radiator, I used to carry a 5 gallon gas can of water around to fill it up. Evetually it was bad enough that I had to top it off every time I drove it....Then one day I forgot to fill the jug, got out about tweny miles and the temp light came on. being a dumb kid I tried to make it to my friends house. Bad move It litteraly seized up. I grabbed my jug walked to my friends house got some water and a ride, filled it up and drove it home....I sold that car to the same friend and it ran for another two years. People talk about hurting a small block Chevy, all I can sy is good luck they are tougher than nails coted with teflon!!!

TonyJohnson · 07-13-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

Have the young lady next to you pull off her pantyhose and make them into a makeshift fanbelt...

With this trick, you might be really late getting home...

LOW DOUGH · 07-13-2009, 01:20 PM

If you have shoes with laces. You could take the laces and make a temp belt. But, just by 2 or save your old one if you have one.

c10crazy · 07-13-2009, 03:18 PM

Pantyhose and shoe laces???

Why not just rip the waistband out of your drawers?

I've heard it all now

Sinister · 07-13-2009, 04:09 PM

Spare belts are a must. Lost my power steering belt on the freeway doing 75. That was fun.

Skirkpat · 07-13-2009, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinister

Spare belts are a must. Lost my power steering belt on the freeway doing 75. That was fun.

In LA traffic that could be almost dangerous...LOL

LOW DOUGH · 07-13-2009, 05:05 PM

I have lost a few belts on the 71. But, they would fly off and get tangled up in the pullys... so, they were still there but all mangled up. I put them back on and would take it easy till I got to the parts store.

Hottrucks · 07-13-2009, 05:17 PM

take your old belts and stick them in the hood support and forget them..........

**raggedjim** · 07-14-2009, 09:08 AM

Years ago someone posted the number of a short belt you could put on the water pump and crank pulley that would keep driving the water pump if the alternator belt broke. I never did it but thought it was a good idea.

Rg

**Palf70Step** · 07-14-2009, 12:11 PM

A pair of legs got me from Central VA to MS one sunday evening. I wouldn't recommend that far, but it's amazing hough tough those hose are.

68C10withA396 · 07-14-2009, 01:58 PM

I replaced a broken serpentine belt off of a hummer with 550 cord and duct tape wrapped around it. We were coming back from a month of training and I kept the company at 100% combat readininess during the field op. 2 miles from the base it broke, my C.O. wanted to tow it in and I refused, 10 minutes later it had on a "brand new" belt and we made it back to the motor pool. That was a good year, 14 months of training, field ops, and combat operations and not one truck had to be towed. There were a few that never madee it back state side but that's a different story all together.

07-11-2009, 09:41 PM	#1
Legolas894 Chemist under the hood... Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fort Erie,ON, Canada Posts: 617	What would you do when the belt breaks? Lovely day, sun shining, going down a back road at 50MPH, windows rolled down and AM radio shrieking. Then a thump noise and the generator light comes on. Pull over and no alternator belt to be seen. I thought, oh well, I can run off the battery till I get home (about 15 minutes longer). My truck is manual everything so no other belts off the main pulley. After about 5 minutes, it hits me that I also don't have a water pump working now. I pull in to a hardware store and look for a furnace fan v-belt. Went through a couple and 4L-430 seems to fit snug enough. My question is, how long can you go without a water pump turning? Did I damage the engine going for 5 minutes without any water pumping? Air flow would have only been during motion and I didn't stop for too long with the engine running. Should you just park it and call AAA? __________________ Current fleet: 2013 GMC Sierra, 5.3L, 4x4 1988 GMC Sierra, 305, Auto 1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 360 V8 1997 VW Cabrio, 2.0L 2017 Toyota Rav4, 2.5L Stuff I wish I still had: 2013 Toyota Matrix [RIP] 1967 GMC 910 Fleetside, 283 V8 [1st Love-SOLD] 1987 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4X4, 4.0 I-6 [SOLD} 1994 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, 5.7LV8 [SOLD] 1995 Chevrolet Astro AWD, 4.3L V6 (RIP) 1998 Chevrolet Suburban 4x4, 5.7L V8 [SOLD]

07-11-2009, 10:13 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? air flow doesn't mean jack if there's no coolant flow. However, now that you have the belt on there, go drive it and see how it acts. If there is any damage, you'll know it, look at the tail pipe when you fire it and rev it a few times... odds are though, it'll be so obviouse grandma would know somthing is wrong. Assuming your temperature light works, it would have come on if you overheated it, and even then, they can take some heat.

07-12-2009, 10:11 AM	#3
Legolas894 Chemist under the hood... Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fort Erie,ON, Canada Posts: 617	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? Thanks for the reply. Ironically, I was on my way back from the parts store with a new temperature switch since the PO had a gauge-style sensor (without any connections!!!) installed in the water outlet. I put the switch in when I got home. Everything seems fine. I wanted to see what thermostat was in there but I can't get the water oulet neck off. Even with the impact wrench. Hope it's not stuck closed ! __________________ Current fleet: 2013 GMC Sierra, 5.3L, 4x4 1988 GMC Sierra, 305, Auto 1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 360 V8 1997 VW Cabrio, 2.0L 2017 Toyota Rav4, 2.5L Stuff I wish I still had: 2013 Toyota Matrix [RIP] 1967 GMC 910 Fleetside, 283 V8 [1st Love-SOLD] 1987 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4X4, 4.0 I-6 [SOLD} 1994 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, 5.7LV8 [SOLD] 1995 Chevrolet Astro AWD, 4.3L V6 (RIP) 1998 Chevrolet Suburban 4x4, 5.7L V8 [SOLD]

07-12-2009, 10:15 AM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? why would it be stuck closed? You are stressing over nothing.

07-12-2009, 11:06 AM	#5
Legolas894 Chemist under the hood... Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fort Erie,ON, Canada Posts: 617	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? LHMan, You're probably right. The PO probably drove that for years like that with no worries. __________________ Current fleet: 2013 GMC Sierra, 5.3L, 4x4 1988 GMC Sierra, 305, Auto 1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 360 V8 1997 VW Cabrio, 2.0L 2017 Toyota Rav4, 2.5L Stuff I wish I still had: 2013 Toyota Matrix [RIP] 1967 GMC 910 Fleetside, 283 V8 [1st Love-SOLD] 1987 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4X4, 4.0 I-6 [SOLD} 1994 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, 5.7LV8 [SOLD] 1995 Chevrolet Astro AWD, 4.3L V6 (RIP) 1998 Chevrolet Suburban 4x4, 5.7L V8 [SOLD]

07-12-2009, 11:52 AM	#6
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,861	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? I had the same thing happen (broken belt) and had to drive about 5 minutes without water pumping. My temp gauge went all the way to hot (pegged) in that time but no damage occured. I think you'll be OK. __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Best $300 I ever spent.

07-12-2009, 11:55 AM	#7
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? Have the young lady next to you pull off her pantyhose and make them into a makeshift fanbelt.It's gotten more than one person home.I doubt she had any on in the summer though.Buy 2 and put one behind the seat. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

07-12-2009, 12:31 PM	#8
Average Joe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 1,352	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? Man I saw that pantyhose trick on the A Team once. Didnt know it actually worked. Righteous....

07-12-2009, 01:22 PM	#9
Skirkpat Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: K.C. Missouri Posts: 1,024	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? everytime I change my belts, the old ones go where I put the last old ones...in the trunk or behind the seat. I actually had a serpantine belt break on an S-10 I had in the 90's, I was on a date, the girl was amazed that I got it to "run" again in a couple of minutes....she was VERY appreciative __________________ 1969 Short Stepside 1969 4 WD Suburban 1970 1 Ton Dually....Misfit oh, and a 2001 HD 2500, 8.1 Allison Shortbed 4 Door

07-12-2009, 01:28 PM	#10
Skirkpat Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: K.C. Missouri Posts: 1,024	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? oops, double post __________________ 1969 Short Stepside 1969 4 WD Suburban 1970 1 Ton Dually....Misfit oh, and a 2001 HD 2500, 8.1 Allison Shortbed 4 Door Last edited by Skirkpat; 07-12-2009 at 01:29 PM.

07-12-2009, 08:00 PM	#12
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? The gals I run with don`t wear panty hose.I carry my last belt I replaced.I`ve driven really far without a belt by cutting the motor off on hills and whenever I don`t need power. I`ve also had a chunk of water pump gasket come out and lost all my water.My clue was the temp gauge up on hot.I shut it down and drifted a long way before stopping.But,the damage was done. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

07-12-2009, 11:45 PM	#13
69GMCLonghorn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Porter Ranch, CA Posts: 978	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? Useless story I'll share with ya whether you like it or not: A few years ago when I was putting a new motor in my truck, I took my "spare" classic ('67 Caddy) to Bob's Big Boy over here in Toluca Lake (infamous, google it). Friday nights are CRAZY over there. Jay Leno used to roll up in one of his rides after taping the Tonight Show... Good times... Well, it was hotter than a 10 cent whore on Nickel Night this one time (probably over 100°). I commented to a buddy that my Caddy NEVER overheats! Runs cool as a cucumber regardless of how hot is outside. Famous last words... I popped a freeze plug out of the head coming home at Midnight. I got towed home, spent 89 cents on a freeze plug, a few bucks for some coolant and away she went! Gotta love old iron! Takes a lickin' and comes back for more...

07-13-2009, 06:51 AM	#14
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? 89 CENTs!!??? You could have had your fun and gone home with change on nickle night! You`re right.The old iron is more forgiving. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

07-13-2009, 09:44 AM	#15
Skirkpat Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: K.C. Missouri Posts: 1,024	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? When I first started driving, I had a 75 Monte Carlo that I bought for a beater. It had a very small leak in the radiator, I used to carry a 5 gallon gas can of water around to fill it up. Evetually it was bad enough that I had to top it off every time I drove it....Then one day I forgot to fill the jug, got out about tweny miles and the temp light came on. being a dumb kid I tried to make it to my friends house. Bad move It litteraly seized up. I grabbed my jug walked to my friends house got some water and a ride, filled it up and drove it home....I sold that car to the same friend and it ran for another two years. People talk about hurting a small block Chevy, all I can sy is good luck they are tougher than nails coted with teflon!!! __________________ 1969 Short Stepside 1969 4 WD Suburban 1970 1 Ton Dually....Misfit oh, and a 2001 HD 2500, 8.1 Allison Shortbed 4 Door

07-13-2009, 01:20 PM	#17
LOW DOUGH I'M TRUCK CRAZY! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sachse, TEXAS Posts: 1,737	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? If you have shoes with laces. You could take the laces and make a temp belt. But, just by 2 or save your old one if you have one.



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07-13-2009, 03:18 PM	#18
c10crazy Like a Rock! Join Date: May 2002 Location: USA Posts: 1,092	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? Pantyhose and shoe laces??? Why not just rip the waistband out of your drawers? I've heard it all now __________________ 69 LWB Runs great - work in progress Mess with me and you mess with the whole trailer park!

07-13-2009, 04:09 PM	#19
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? Spare belts are a must. Lost my power steering belt on the freeway doing 75. That was fun. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

07-13-2009, 05:05 PM	#21
LOW DOUGH I'M TRUCK CRAZY! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sachse, TEXAS Posts: 1,737	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? I have lost a few belts on the 71. But, they would fly off and get tangled up in the pullys... so, they were still there but all mangled up. I put them back on and would take it easy till I got to the parts store.

07-13-2009, 05:17 PM	#22
Hottrucks Redefining LowBudget Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,538	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? take your old belts and stick them in the hood support and forget them..........

07-14-2009, 09:08 AM	#23
raggedjim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Murray, Kentucky Posts: 3,460	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? Years ago someone posted the number of a short belt you could put on the water pump and crank pulley that would keep driving the water pump if the alternator belt broke. I never did it but thought it was a good idea. Rg __________________ Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203

07-14-2009, 12:11 PM	#24
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,818	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? A pair of legs got me from Central VA to MS one sunday evening. I wouldn't recommend that far, but it's amazing hough tough those hose are. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

07-14-2009, 01:58 PM	#25
68C10withA396 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Jacksonville N.C. Posts: 58	Re: What would you do when the belt breaks? I replaced a broken serpentine belt off of a hummer with 550 cord and duct tape wrapped around it. We were coming back from a month of training and I kept the company at 100% combat readininess during the field op. 2 miles from the base it broke, my C.O. wanted to tow it in and I refused, 10 minutes later it had on a "brand new" belt and we made it back to the motor pool. That was a good year, 14 months of training, field ops, and combat operations and not one truck had to be towed. There were a few that never madee it back state side but that's a different story all together. __________________ "Some people spend an entire life time wondering if they ever made a difference... The Marines don't have that problem." President Ronald Reagan '68 C10 SWB 396/350/4.11

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