MGB: Loose Fan Belt

Nov 04, 2009 03:58:36
GMDad

This goes back a couple of weeks with the GT. We really like driving it in the fall so had it in the garage going over things. Replaced the washer pump and re-aligned the washer nozzle. That was a new novelty. Reset the cable to the heater valve and picked up some warmer air. Replaced a seized wheel cylinder which improved the brakes greatly along with the parking brake. Had it in the garage for a few days but when I went to start it, only clicked and wouldn't turn over. Charged the battery, started up and checked the voltage on the Delco alternator. Everything looked good. So we drive it to the club meeting last night. Coming home with the headlights on, radio going, heater and threw in the rear defroster to see how many lines were working on it. Going good for a few miles till the turn signals were slower, heater stopped working, dash lights went out and finally just ran out of power and quit. Luckily the wife (who was driving) was able to get off onto the shoulder of the road, as we were halfway up a very busy 3 lane hill. Good old Auto Club gets a flat bed there within 45 minutes and get it towed home and back into the garage. Popped the hood and start looking for a problem and when I reach down the fan belt is loose enough that I am able to turn the pulley on the alternator by hand !! Not a good thing. I am presuming with the heavy load we had on the way home, the alternator stopped charging and we were running the battery down. I never thought to check the belt when it wouldn't start in the shop as it was showing over 14 volts at the alternator, WITH NO LOAD ON IT... All in all, an interesting night and can't blame the LBC for not getting us home on this one. Putting it down to bad maintenance.

Nov 04, 2009 06:28:13
James74

Most of can get forgetful when it comes to automotive repair, but sometimes its just plain stupidity, I had a MGB alternator on my 74 Midget at the time I had not looked at the pulley to if they where the same I (assumed) they where..? Wrong, driving one night pulled away from the lights though the belt, towed home... Continuing on to my stupidity I could not figure out why the new drive belt would not fit after about 10 belts I found the right one. Only then it dawned on me that the MGB a Midget alternator pulleys where different...:drinking:

Nov 04, 2009 07:55:32
golf

Using a brit car for my only transport and work car for many years i made it a
habit to check under the hood every saturday morning no matter what the weather was.
Now the MG is just an occasional driver so im out of the habit.

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