Scared of broken fan belt, Solution?

[AirCooledExcellence]

Hi All,

I don't know about you guys but some of the past posts about running the engine with a broken fan belt have really scared me!

It sounds as if all it would take to screw up the engine is to run it for a couple of minutes without the fan going, so.....

Do you think hooking one of these buzzers up with the alternator warning light would work OK?

Buzzer

They only draw 35Ma so I can't see any problems with overloading the circuit, but can anyone think of any other potential problems it's installation may cause?

Cheers,

Tim.
____________
1983 SC Targa

[widebody911]

Years ago, when I had my '72T...

I carpooled with this chick from work, and on the way home one day, I heard a loud 'pop' from the back. Thinking it was a random backfire, I didn't give it another thought. I wasn't until I got home, and pulled into the dark garage, that I noticed the red light on. I drove from the corner of Arden/Fulton, to her house, then home, on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. I'll say 8 miles on the street in high 80's, low 90's (F) ambient temps.

Yes, the engine got *HOT*. I put a portable fan in the engine compartment to cool it down, and then immediately changed the oil, and then again a couple days later. I'm not sure if I did any major damage, and the car ran fine for several years until I sold it

The belt breakage was caused by a small piece of cloth I'd put under the bottom edge of the ducktail to make it sit level.

[Early_S_Man]

Tim,

There probably isn't any reason to be worried about your fan belt breaking ... except maybe immediately after changing one! There are sometimes 'batch' or 'lot' problems not caught by statistical quality control methods. One good reason to keep 2 fan belts in your tool kit at all times, from different batches or purchases.

The 'Sonalert' type buzzer is probably OK to use ... as long as it is wired directly parallel with the warning lamp bulb, and NOT to a separate ground.

Another thing I recommend is installation of an expanded-scale Voltmeter ... such as this one Pelican sells by VDO:

[Ove]

Hi, Tim,

The buzzer is a good idea, I have one in my BMW 1600/2002, but for the oil pressure. Depending on how loud the buzzer (and your car) is, consider placing it closer to you than behind the dashboard. A good place would be behind the roof lining, close to your head. But it could also be a bit annoying when it goes off every time you start the car...

I have installed two extra warning lights on my 911. One for oil press. and one for the alternator charge.
Because I replaced the steering wheel with a smaller one from Momo, I am no longer able to see the original lights without moving my head down/to the right. I placed the new ones down left and right of the tachometer, and that works very well.

You could also buy a cylinder head temperature gauge (Pelican Parts have one from VDO) to watch the cylinder heads, as they will heat up quickly if your fan belt breaks. The oil temp gauge will not give you a warning before it could be too late, as it takes some time to heat all that oil. A shop selling aircraft instruments would also have this gauge, often referred to as a CHT gauge.

[Bill Douglas]

Tim, I broke one about a month ago while on the track. I heard a loud WHAM, BONK THUMP THUMP and that's while wearing a helmet as well. It was so loud I thought I blown the engine. Anyway it was only the fan belt and all the noise was from it flinging itself aqround the engine bay as it flew to bits. It ripped the wiring out to the oil presure (idiot light) switch so some of the gauges went wild. I was pleased it was only the fan belt and replaced it with one of the two I carry.

[pwd72s]

I've never lost a fan belt. (knocking on wood) But I always assumed I'd hear something if one snapped. The fan noise would stop, wouldn't it? Even without the belt bits banging around?

[dickster]

solution?

put in a new correctly tensioned oe item at regular service intervals and keep an eye on it

seriously, your idea sounds "sound", but unnecessary imho.

spend your time adjusting those valves instead

then when you've practiced you can do mine for me

[island911]

Indeed, your "sound" idea sounds sound. Though it's not new.
I've had other cars which buzz the seatbelt buzzer, if dummy lights come on (oil or alt) while running.
This made me a bit reluctant to take out the seatbelt buzzer of my SC. . . . .I checked the wiring, and found the SC seatbelt buzzers are nothing beyond seatbelt and key-in/door-open buzzer.

[rstoll]

How 'bout the new "Scroto Sensor". Latest phenom on the market. Replaces those pesky idiot lights, so easily ignored. The patented "Scroto Sensor" consist of a hydraulic clamping device placed strategically in the driver seat. It is triggered initially by the alternator light circuit which causes a slight input to the clamp. If the driver ignores the initial pain, the temp sensor takes over and tightens the clamp 1 ft lb per 10 degree rise in temp. I would think the average driver would have to shut it down in 20 to 30 degree rise. Taking orders now. Call 1800 BALL-BUSTER.