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Driving a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Without an Alternator Belt

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David Lakes

Probationary Member
2
0
Mar 2, 2019
Greenfield, Indiana
Hi guys,

So I have practically no knowledge on cars, so I need some advice. I was driving my 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse today when the alternator belt came off. I tried to make it home but it eventually the car started stuttering. From what I have read on the internet, it seems that I have probably overheated the engine. I drove probably about 30 miles without out the belt. Any advice or input on the situation is helpful.

Thanks,

David
 
It’s not likely it overheated, the alternator does nothing to cool your car off. Your battery died or was dying. Replace the belt and jump start the car
 
It’s not likely it overheated, the alternator does nothing to cool your car off. Your battery died or was dying. Replace the belt and jump start the car
While it is true the alternator has no roll in cooling system, the belt does, as it runs the alternator and water pump from the crank.

OP, one cannot for sure answer your question as coolant was not circulating through the cooling system. Did you keep an eye on the water temp? The gauge would tell you if it was overheating. You may want to check the fluid level and give it a once-over for leaks.
 
While it is true the alternator has no roll in cooling system, the belt does, as it runs the alternator and water pump from the crank.

OP, one cannot for sure answer your question as coolant was not circulating through the cooling system. Did you keep an eye on the water temp? The gauge would tell you if it was overheating. You may want to check the fluid level and give it a once-over for leaks.

Ehm...no? The auxiliary belts (alternator, AC, power steering) do not turn the water pump. The water pump is turned by the timing belt, no?
 
Ehm...no? The auxiliary belts (alternator, AC, power steering) do not turn the water pump. The water pump is turned by the timing belt, no?

Again, the water pump and alternator are driven from the crank pulley, at least on the 4g63t engine. I cannot speak to n/a models as this issue was not posted in the n/a specific forum. Perhaps more information is needed from the OP.
4g63t accessory belt setup below:
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Last edited:
Again, the water pump and alternator are driven from the crank pulley, at least on the 4g63t engine. I cannot speak to n/a models as this issue was not posted in the n/a specific forum. Perhaps more information is needed from the OP.
4g63t accessory belt setup below:
You must be logged in to view this image or video.


Good catch, I completely forgot the alternator drove the water pump.


OP is the car NA? And how long did you drive it for after you lost the belt?
 
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