Hi all,

I have a 94' RS as a work car, so far it's has been great. Today on the way home from work, my ABS light came on. Then the check engine light followed by the coolant light. The drive belt got kicked off, causing the engine to overheat and the alternator to stop working. The belt looks new ( I bought the car used ) and looks to be intact. Any ideas on what could have kicked it off? As a result of the engine overheating, a coolant gasket failed and I lost the coolant as well. This all occured in less than 2 miles. I sure hope I didn't warp a head or loose a head gasket. Just looking for ideas or experiences.

Thanks for the help

One of two things may have thrown your belt off. Check the belt tensioner to see if the tension is there and the pulley is not wobbling side to side. Next, check the waterpump pulley. It should not have side to side play. If it does, replace it. Good luck.

It was the tensioner, is was cracked. I had heard these tend to go out on the cavaliers, and that's what mine did. Luckily, no damage was done to the engine. I am replacing it along with the coolant gasket that failed, then taking it in to get flushed and pressure tested.

Thanks again