Serp Drive Belt

[Dutchone]

I am asking this before checking the Bible which has probably got the relevant info in it somewhere.

The Griff is just being serviced and will have the above belt changed, but being a belt (excuse the pun)and braces sort of person I am thinking of carrying a spare in the boot in case of belt failure in the future.
my only experience of drive/fanbelts is years ago on a Hillman Imp and if the drive belt failed then the valves met the pistons big time so not much point in carrying a spare belt.

Is this the case for a serpentine engine i.e. if the belt fails then it is followed by a big bang which a replacement belt will not fix, or is there a low chance of mechanical damage and a new belt could be fitted on the roadside.

Thanks, Paul

[budaholic]

ASAIK, The RV8 engine uses a timing chain!

The belt will just drive the ancilliaries, eg.. PAS pump, Alternator, Air Con compressor etc...

[tvrolet]

RV8 is chain-driven 'cam in block'. As said above, belt just drives accessories. Belts that drive cams would a) have to actually connect to the cam, and b) be toothed so as not to let the timing slip.

If you are carrying a speare belt, take a picture of the way the belt if fixed or make a drawing. It is possible to route the belt in a few different ways that make it fit round all the pulleys, but there's only one correct way so make a note of it.

WB

[Dutchone]

Thank you!
I will make a note of the belt route.

[harrow_chim]

Ask the servicers to put the old belt in the boot for you to use as a spare - saves buying another new one.