the only belt on the engine, drives the generator ( alternator in late
models ) AND the engine cooling fan.
Loose the belt, you loose all cooling.

you might find it interesting, that a Bug convertible, with the top down, on
a hot day, on a long grade......
can overheat. The stowed top blocks air flow to the air inlet , preventing
sufficient  engine cooling.

Scott

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Beierl" <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, October 26, 2009 7:06 PM
Subject: Re: Change a VW Fan Belt In 5 Seconds?

> At 09:48 PM 10/26/2009, Jake de Villiers wrote:
>>What do you mean by "before the engine slags down"  ?
>
> Melts.  Or does that belt *not* drive the cooling fan?  I'm
> comparatively Beetle-ignorant, although I had an early lurching
> experience with one fitted with a racing clutch.
>
> d