Lost Alternator Belt

[HghCmdr]

 

While out driving last evening, my 1989 16V lost the alternator / water pump belt.  I was able to nurse it home with high temperature (just a notch below “H” on the gauge) and an almost dead battery.   

I had the water pump replaced about 6 months ago and it looks like the water pump pulley seems to be mis-aligned by about 3/16” from the crankshaft pulley.

Is this a common problem and can it be corrected?

Also, with the engine getting that hot, is there anything that I should check for that may have been damaged?  I ran it for a few minutes after it cooled, and there seemed to be no issues, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

[Hemi Dude]

3 hours ago, HghCmdr said:

 

While out driving last evening, my 1989 16V lost the alternator / water pump belt.  I was able to nurse it home with high temperature (just a notch below “H” on the gauge) and an almost dead battery.   

I had the water pump replaced about 6 months ago and it looks like the water pump pulley seems to be mis-aligned by about 3/16” from the crankshaft pulley.

Is this a common problem and can it be corrected?

Also, with the engine getting that hot, is there anything that I should check for that may have been damaged?  I ran it for a few minutes after it cooled, and there seemed to be no issues, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

It is possible that the mechanic installed the water pump PULLEY 'wrong side out'?

As far as damage from overheating, no real way to know.  If you didn't run it out of coolant, you are probably OK.

Hot IS hot, but RUN DRY is possible disaster.

Edited August 24, 2023 by Hemi Dude
added text (see edit history)

[HghCmdr]

Thanks for the suggestion Hemi. I didn't think of the pulley potentially being installed backwards.  I'll be taking it apart tomorrow and I'll let you know what happens.

 

 

[HghCmdr]

Just to follow up.  The pulley was installed correctly, it is stamped “FRONT” right on the pulley.  I turned it around to see if it was a better fit, but it was about the same either way.  I reinstalled it the original way then installed the belt.  The mis-alignment seems to be within the tolerance of the belt, no fraying on the edges and no noises.  I’ll keep checking it and carry a spare with me.

Fortunately, no issues seemed to arise from the overheating.

Thank you for the assistance, Hemi Dude.