Possible Damage?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 84
From: Fort Worth, Tx.
Possible Damage?
I was quite happy this morning as I drove the Vette to the locksmith. I was going to pick up my re-keyed spare tire lock. I have now sourced a nice correct, spare tire carrier, cover and lock assembly, date correct jack (from this forum), and a rim within one day of the other four on the car. The rim needs a little work. Was feeling quite satisfied with my newly obtained parts.
As I was driving, I heard a noise as if I ran over a bolt. I hoped it was not something falling off my car. As I continued to drive, I heard a funny noise coming from under the hood. As I slowed to stop for a traffic light, I looked at the gages and the temp was pegged at 250. I Immediately pulled into a QT station and stopped the car. Upon inspection, I found the top alternator bolt had snapped off, the belt was still on but no tension= no fan or water pump. I only drove 2.1 miles from the time I heard the noise until I stopped. Probably 50 mph with no stops After repair, I started the car and returned to my home. The car ran at it’s usual temp, performed normally and made no strange noises. I checked the oil after arrival and there appeared to be no water in the oil.
Is there much chance of damage in this short time and distance?
Mike
As I was driving, I heard a noise as if I ran over a bolt. I hoped it was not something falling off my car. As I continued to drive, I heard a funny noise coming from under the hood. As I slowed to stop for a traffic light, I looked at the gages and the temp was pegged at 250. I Immediately pulled into a QT station and stopped the car. Upon inspection, I found the top alternator bolt had snapped off, the belt was still on but no tension= no fan or water pump. I only drove 2.1 miles from the time I heard the noise until I stopped. Probably 50 mph with no stops After repair, I started the car and returned to my home. The car ran at it’s usual temp, performed normally and made no strange noises. I checked the oil after arrival and there appeared to be no water in the oil.
Is there much chance of damage in this short time and distance?
Mike
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Rookie guess: the engine is O.K., but you could change the oil and filter.....fresh oil is a good thing after overheating.
Did you lose coolant....the sysrem may need filling and burping to remove air from the coolant system.
Did you lose coolant....the sysrem may need filling and burping to remove air from the coolant system.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,595
Likes: 7,043
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Rookie guess: the engine is O.K., but you could change the oil and filter.....fresh oil is a good thing after overheating.
Did you lose coolant....the sysrem may need filling and burping to remove air from the coolant system.
Did you lose coolant....the sysrem may need filling and burping to remove air from the coolant system.
Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 8,079
Likes: 4,431
From: Marlton NJ
It's probably fine as long as the head gasket did not pop. We used to run cars bone dry, very occasionally, in the shop, when necessary, but never for long. Like a minute or so. They take a while to heat up, or to over-heat.
If you want to be very careful, like a lot of us about our pride and joys, you could:
If you want to be very careful, like a lot of us about our pride and joys, you could:
- Change the oil & look for water
- Cut open the filter look for metal
- Have the oil tested
- Pressure test the radiator
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 84
From: Fort Worth, Tx.
Thanks Doorgunner! I dont think I lost any fluid as the radiator doesn’t appear to have heated up without the water pump working. The fluid appears to be at the cold fill line. I can probably see better tomorrow morning. I am sure changing the oil is a good idea! Thanks again for the reply,
Mike
Mike
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 84
From: Fort Worth, Tx.
It's probably fine as long as the head gasket did not pop. We used to run cars bone dry, very occasionally, in the shop, when necessary, but never for long. Like a minute or so. They take a while to heat up, or to over-heat.
If you want to be very careful, like a lot of us about our pride and joys, you could:
If you want to be very careful, like a lot of us about our pride and joys, you could:
- Change the oil & look for water
- Cut open the filter look for metal
- Have the oil tested
- Pressure test the radiator
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Omaha NE
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Back in the Spring of '89 after sitting all winter my first trip out would be one to remember.
About 10 minutes in I noticed my temp needle was pegged. That's 280 on a '76.
I pulled over & shut her off. That's when I heard some popping noises coming from up front.
It was my radiator!! Sounded like a little 4th of July party was going on.
I got a flatbed & got it back home. Problem? A junk thermostat stuck shut.
Rad would be fine. That was 31 years & about 40,000 miles ago. No problems since......
About 10 minutes in I noticed my temp needle was pegged. That's 280 on a '76.
I pulled over & shut her off. That's when I heard some popping noises coming from up front.
It was my radiator!! Sounded like a little 4th of July party was going on.
I got a flatbed & got it back home. Problem? A junk thermostat stuck shut.
Rad would be fine. That was 31 years & about 40,000 miles ago. No problems since......
Last edited by SEVNT6; Jul 24, 2020 at 01:01 AM.
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I had that same issue last year. It happened to me and i didnt see the broken bolt, it was on the alternator mount. Once it cooled I drove down the road a little further and the temp pegged again. It took a bit but my buddy spottd the issue. Long story on getting a AAA driver to comem but a local went to his house, found a relacement bolt and i was on the road again. All those mounting bolts are grade 8 now. I never had an issue with the motor afterwards. Cast iron heads are pretty tough. Now that I have aluminum I'll have to be more careful
good luck
scott
good luck
scott
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From: Anaheim Hills California
Team Owner
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From: Crossville TN
You should have at least two belts driving the water pump, but it sounds like you only had one. There should be a belt running from crank to water pump (only)...or crank, water pump, power steering. This is specifically so that the engine won't overheat because of ONE drive belt failing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Massapequa Park NY
You are probably fine. These engines can take a hit like that. Back when these things weren’t worth anything and we didn’t know any better we ran some Chevy engines hot until they stalled!! And then they still ran ok after they cooled down. Not a great idea of course but point is they can take a little heat.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Persona Non Grata
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You should have at least two belts driving the water pump, but it sounds like you only had one. There should be a belt running from crank to water pump (only)...or crank, water pump, power steering. This is specifically so that the engine won't overheat because of ONE drive belt failing.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 99
You are probably fine. These engines can take a hit like that. Back when these things weren’t worth anything and we didn’t know any better we ran some Chevy engines hot until they stalled!! And then they still ran ok after they cooled down. Not a great idea of course but point is they can take a little heat.