In the past I did have problems with the belts coming off (water pump,
power steering)... and it happened after 2 or 3 months  (2K/3K miles)after
replacing the belt(s). I'd think the new belts stretched after some miles
to the point they came off... And I didn't check them to prevent it.

So ... if you put on new belt(s), I'd recommend checking them frequently.

On Mon, Sep 16, 2024 at 6:18 PM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:

> Hi matt,
>
>         I was reading your message again and wondering where things are at
> for you and your van.
>
>         Have you found the reason the belts came off or broke?  And the
> reason for the coolant leak?
>
> Are you up and going again?
>
> Eric
>
>
> > On Sep 9, 2024, at 12:23 AM, Matt Drew <t3vanagon@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> >
> > Howdy Eric-
> > Thanks for asking.
> > Unfortunately, though, this has now become just one more issue on an
> expanding list....
> >
> > Coming home today, I lost power steering just as the alternator warning
> and OXS warning lights came on.
> > That feeling of dread instantly set in. Since I was only a couple blocks
> from the house, I decided just to get it home.
> > As I feared, when I got out of the van I immediately smelled coolant,
> and found a puddle forming under the engine bay.
> > And you guessed it, I also found a shredded V-belt and the two other
> belts thrown.
> >
> > Looks like another flatbed trip is in our future tomorrow . . .
> >
> > -Matt
> >
> > On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 3:52 PM Eric Caron <ecaron1@comcast.net <mailto:
> ecaron1@comcast.net>> wrote:
> >> Hi matt,
> >>
> >>
> >>         I was wondering if you have any updates on your running issue.
> >>
> >> Hope you have found success.
> >>
> >> Eric Caron
> >>
> >>
> >> > On Sep 3, 2024, at 12:12 PM, Matt Drew <t3vanagon@GMAIL.COM <mailto:
> t3vanagon@GMAIL.COM>> wrote:
> >> >
> >> > 2.1L WB
> >> > I'm working with my mechanic on this one, but since he doesn't have a
> smoke
> >> > machine, I'm trying to narrow down potential problem points.
> >> >
> >> > Noticed it was running rough a while back, initially thought it was a
> >> > timing/misfire issue.
> >> > New plugs, cap, rotor, ignition wires all needed to happen anyway, but
> >> > didn't have an impact.
> >> >
> >> > A couple interesting points:
> >> > - Noticing a sucking sound coming from the general area of the airflow
> >> > sensor.
> >> > - It runs rough every time I start up, but eventually smoothes out
> after
> >> > idling for a few minutes.
> >> > - The sucking/whistling sound seems to be related because it subsides
> >> > (mostly) concurrent to the idle smoothing out.
> >> >
> >> > At first I thought it might be an intake hose crack, and that
> increased
> >> > temp would cause a temporary expansion / seal, but that doesn't seem
> to be
> >> > it since it happens on every startup, even after everything is warm.
> >> >
> >> > Anyone else experienced this before?
> >> > Any tips on where to look?
> >> >
> >> > *Matt*
> >> > Missoula, MT
> >> > '88 Westy, *Ragnar LoafBrick*
> >>
>