John and listees:  When that battery light goes on, it's everybit as
important to stop immediately as if the oil light came on.  HOpe nothing
fried.  I have an engine here that isn't so lucky.

DM&FS

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Silverman" <jsilver@AROS.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, July 04, 2001 6:38 PM
Subject: overheating on the fourth

> Last night, we headed up to the Unita mountain range (about an hour from
> Salt Lake City) in Vic (90 syncro Westy).  It was a hot evening, and the
> needle was above the red light, but not unusually high.  The fan should
> come on appropriately, and cool things off (no AC).  We drove for almost
an
> hour after dark, and things had cooled off reasonably.  We got into the
> mountains, and maneuvering around to find a level spot to camp, I noticed
> the temp light flashing, and so was the battery light.  The temp was
pegged
> as well.  The radiator fan didn't want to come on. And, steam out of the
> back, w/ a little coolant dripping.  Well, needless to say, we didn't get
a
> level site last night.  I poled around w/ a headlamp, but wasn't able to
> discern anything.
>
> This AM I discovered that the fan/alternator belt had broken, explaining
> the flashing battery light.  My supposition is that this belt also works
> the water pump, which would explain the overheating and the fan not coming
> on.  Is this the case??  I assume there is a built-in overflow valve
> (pressure relief) from the expansion tank.  Aside from refilling the
> coolant, is there anything else I need to check??
>
> Is this a simple belt to replace??
>
> Let this serve as a gentle reminder to you all--check your belts and
hoses,
> and think about carrying spares...
>
> John
> 90 syncro westy
> SLC