The fan belt problem and the oil leaks were solved many years ago on the
Corvair.  Owners over-tightened the belts "to make sure it wouldn't come
off!"  Viton seals are available for all the critical seals (push rod
return tubes--by the way--a much better design than the wbx, oil cooler
seals, etc.)  Late engines used alternators, not generators.  If it weren't
for emission laws, I would have considered it as an alternative
engine/transaxle.  I have owned 4 or 5 Corvairs over the years and  have
one left--the best one--a '65 Corsa convertible.   It looks good next to my
Westy in my garage.   I can thank Nader for keeping them affordable.  A
similar rare Camaro (there were less than 5,000  Corsa convertibles
produced in '65) would be worth 3 or 4X what this Corvair is worth.  I have
it insured for $5.5K.

                                                      Jay

george jannini <georgejoann@JUNO.COM>@gerry.vanagon.com> on 12/13/2002
01:04:46 PM

Please respond to george jannini <georgejoann@JUNO.COM>

Sent by:    Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>

To:    vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
cc:
Subject:    Re: air cooled engine alternatives

Chris,

<< Corvairs are famous for flipping their fan belt off loosing their
alternator function and cooling fan function at the same time. Ignorant
drivers continue on until the engine overheats. >>

   Waterboxers are not prone to flipping off belts, but, just like the
Corvair, the cooling system (water pump) and alternator are also
dependent on the same belt, so the results are the same if the damn thing
breaks and the operator decides to press on regardless.  As you pointed
out, that alternator warning lamp should never be ignored.

        George/ATL
        '89 WesTiico, Wernher

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