Miata Mailing List: December 1996, Message #26
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   From: (none)

Subject: Re: SSCOR: What happens when my SC belt breaks when driving???

   Date: (none)



In a message dated 96-12-01 11:49:07 EST, -Matco-@msn.com (Matthew Anderson)

writes:



> Okay, lets just assume I am driving along in my 96M and the Sebring belt 

>  breaks.  Since this belt runs the blower, AC, and PS what will happen to

my 

>  car...  

>  1. I know I will lose AC, no problem.  

>  2. What about the PS, will it be like driving a non PS car, or will I not

be 

>  able to steer at all.  

>  3. I know the SC won't be able to blow air in the engine, but will the car

 the 

>  react like a non SC car again or will it fail to run?



Hi Matt,



If the belt drives the A/C, Blower and P/S you will lose all of them if it

breaks.  The car would steer like a car with the engine shut off...which is

what I suspect will happen to the engine.  Unless I'm missing something, the

Eaton is a positive displacement blower and I doubt that the engine could run

on what air can escape around the impeller seals.  Maybe the bypass system

would allow enough air passage to let the engine run.  I doubt it would be

very good nor do I think you would be able to drive it home.  One way to find

out is to disconnect the belt and see if you can start and run the engine.

 Let us know what happens.



Ralph Alder

SoCal 90 Red A  whose turbo don't need no steenkin' belt.;-)