Just wondering what 'V' belt does in TCH. It dont have A/c or alternator to run, could it just be for waterpump? Why cant they make it electric and save another maintenance issue, and probably gain some FE too.

 

Water pump... Belts are very long lived, especially when lightly loaded as a water pump only belt. Water pump failure would mean ultimate engine failure. I'm fine with their being one lightly loaded belt in the car.

 

The engineer probably submitted the design right at the Friday deadline. He woke up about 4am Monday when he remebered he hadn't done exactly that.

 

Belts are prone to wear and will eventually break, leading to engine failure, whereas motor can last forever.

 

Forever is an awfully long time....

Neighbor's 46 Ford is still on the same fanbelt that he installed in the early 60's and he drives it daily from when the snow melts in the spring until it comes back in the fall..

Light loading on the belt will allow it to last a long time - certainly not forever though... The neighbor's car runs the water pumps, generator and fan..