Fan Belt Broke. Can I trust the temp gauge?

[ma702tt]

My fan belt broke, light came on. I looked at the engine while running and the fan was spinning so I kept an eye on the temp gauge and limped home. It was a little warm slightly past the first mark but never heated up.

Is it safe to take to my mechanic? Is the temp gauge a dependable indicator of engine temperature?

Thanks,

Matt

[RichieRoo]

Hi Matt

How is the fan spinning if the belt is broken? Is it just drag from the alternator
pulley? (I assume it's not just the belt wheel sensor playing up. )

It really depends on how far away your mechanic is. I have it on good authority that Texas
is big and hot So assuming that the ambient temperature will be high and the distance
will be more than a few miles, it's not a good combination.

Why not have a go at replacing it yourself - there should be plenty of info on here or Rennlist.

The temperature gauge will give you a rough idea, I believe it samples the oil temperature
rather than the cylinder head temperature (which can only be read using diagnostic equipment).

If you're really desperate you could:
a) Force the oil cooler fan to stay on 'high' by removing a relay and jumping two of the
contacts (see Rennlist for instructions).
b) Drive the car there late at night so that the ambient air temperature is cooler and
there'll be no traffic.
c) Assuming you have a retracting spoiler, put it in the 'up' position to aid cooling.
If you're really daring (and it's dark ) you could even prop the engine hood open.

Good luck

[ma702tt]

Thanks, I believe it is just the drag from the alternator. I was not sure if the visable fan was a secondary fan with another one embeded.

It is pretty cold here now and I have to have him check some other things that need his expertise.

Since it did not really have much temperature increase I guess there is just some natural air flow and the oil cooler.

Thanks,

Matt

[jimmcc]

Do it yourself as suggested or call for the flatbed. It's far too risky. I would want to see the fan spinning as per normal before driving any distance. The chance of overheading the heads is not worth it. Tows are cheaper than rebuilds.

Jim

[aigel]

No, the oil temperature is not going to give you the temperature in the heads. The air is the major coolant on your engine, not the oil. If the air flow is at all compromised, don't drive it.

Changing the belt is a pretty simple DIY. vbelt

That's my two cents.

George