<VV> Houston - we have a problem!!! Corvair related

[FrankCB at aol.com]

Roger,
    Do you have a temp gauge on the Spyder?  What  was it reading when you 
drove without a functioning fanbelt?  Did the  overtemperature buzzer ever come 
on to indicate a dangerously high engine  temp?
    This is again a perfect example of WHY EVERY  Corvair needs a temp gauge 
to indicate cooling problems BEFORE they cause  damage.  I once drove 7 miles 
home in a Corvair with no functioning fanbelt  (slipping harmonic balancer) by 
stopping every 1-1/2 miles to cool down when the  CHT temp gauge reached 450 
deg.F.   Without that gauge, I would  have called the tow truck.  There was no 
damage to the engine and it lasted  many more miles and many more years (it 
did have Viton O rings).
    Tighten the fan belt only enough so that you can  turn the generator 
pulley using one finger but with a bit of effort.   And carry a spare belt with 
you along with the short 9/16 inch wrench needed to  change it.
    You likely did NOT seriously damage the engine  provided you were not 
running boosted.  But if it leaks oil now, your  O rings may be cooked.
    Good luck!
    Frank "likes temp gauges" Burkhard 
 
 
In a message dated 12/13/2006 4:50:46 PM Eastern Standard Time,  
ilikeoldcars at bellsouth.net writes:

Okay.  I am trying to calm down but am nervous to say the  least.  Took the 
Spyder out a little while ago to get some lunch.   Nice day here so thought it 
would be nice for me and the wife to take it  out.   We got about 5 miles down 
the road and I looked in my rear  view mirror  and there was smoke coming 
from the engine  compartment.  Looked at my dash and the GEN light was bright 
red.  I  immediately turned the engine off and coasted to a stop.  I got out and  
checked the engine compartment and sure enough the belt had come loose.   I 
just checked it yesterday and it had very little play.  I didn't have  any 
tools with me so I had a tow truck bring it home.  

My  question is this? Did I damage my motor? Why would the belt have come 
loose if  it was tight yesterday?  What should I do now?  I called the guy I  
bought ti from to get some advice but couldn't reach him so I am asking you  guys.

Roger