93 ATX Serpentine Belt - how long without?

[sho.ca]

Greetings all,

I came home to a fried alternator this evening and it melted the serpentine belt on my 93 ATX. Since this is my only vehicle this week, I'm wondering if I can drive it without the belt, and if so, for how long. I know I won't be charging the battery, but can anyone confirm if the water pump is connected?

If the water pump is connected to the ATX belt, which I think it is, how long can you drive without that?

In the morning I plan to start it up, try the power steering, and if it doesn't work, I'll assume that the water pump isn't working either. If that's the case, I think I'll call Daddy.

Thanks in advance.

Dan

 

[wood_e]

Greetings all,

I came home to a fried alternator this evening and it melted the serpentine belt on my 93 ATX. Since this is my only vehicle this week, I'm wondering if I can drive it without the belt, and if so, for how long. I know I won't be charging the battery, but can anyone confirm if the water pump is connected?

If the water pump is connected to the ATX belt, which I think it is, how long can you drive without that?

In the morning I plan to start it up, try the power steering, and if it doesn't work, I'll assume that the water pump isn't working either. If that's the case, I think I'll call Daddy.

Thanks in advance.

Dan

It won't run for very long (I'm thinking seconds here)... and its not a smart idea... just buy a new belt for $30 and put it on. It's not that hard

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

dont drive it. AT ALL.

The belt drives everything. Alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and AC.

Without that water pump spinning, you are just BEGGING for trouble.

 

[sho.ca]

Thanks guys. I guess it's time to dust off the old mountain bike and go shoppin'.

BTW, I burned the alternator opening it up on Highway 27. Straight and flat as far as the eye can see and not another car in sight. Worth every penny. 250,000 Km and still runs like a top (except for all those old worn out Ford parts).

Dan

 

[Whiner]

Yea i wouldnt drive the car at all.

 

[TrueBlue]

My '93 Vulcan threw the belt because of a siezed pump. Let me tell you, wrestling with the car at low speeds is bad enough, but at 45 mph, on a curve... heh.

 

[Camarok]

thats right... you guys have 1 belt... i blew my alternator belt and i drove that puppy 20 min home.... well thanks to my red optima too!