[DeTomaso] Fugitive Alternator Belt

[J. Sean Keane]

I thought I had noticed the occasional slight hissing noise coming from 
my engine compartment lately, but it wasn't dramatic enough for me to be 
certain.  Today, as I was driving home, it suddenly got louder.  Then my 
generator light came on, and the ammeter showed a constant discharge.  A 
few moments later, there was a slight thump and the hissing stopped.  
I'm reasonably certain that the thump was my alternator belt exiting the 
engine compartment and having a brief flirtation with the rear tire as 
it made its bid for freedom.

I wasn't too far from home, so I thought, "No big deal, I can make it 
home on the battery."  But then I noticed the temperature starting to 
climb, and soon I was stopped in a parking lot with clouds of steam 
issuing from below the car.  I was only a couple of miles from home at 
this point, so I let the car cool down for two hours and got water to 
re-fill the reservoir.  With that, I was able to limp home without 
reprising my role as a steam engine (although I could hear the water 
boiling as I pulled into my driveway.)

Belts break, so I'm not too upset about the whole incident, but I do 
have two questions.  First, why would the failure of the alternator belt 
result in overheating?  I would have thought that the battery would have 
been sufficient to keep the electric fans running.  Perhaps I've lost 
more than one belt?  And second, what belt to I need to ask for at my 
local auto parts store to replace the one that went on walkabout?  Thanks.

Regards,

Sean Keane
1974 L