wth happened

[T?@\7]

so im driving home from class today, cruising at 60 on the interstate. My CEL comes on when I cruise at most, but especially high speeds for a long while.... but today my battery charge light and ebrake light come on. I didnt think much of it, the truck was running ok. Shortly after that I notice the temp guage in the red and pull over and pop the hood. Then I see a belt that has sheared itself somehow and is obviously no longer functioning. I debate on whether to drive it home or not, and since it never ran strange I did, being aware of the temp guage. Got it home, with the temp guage hovering below the red.
What do you guys think? Ill take a pic of where the belt was.....


Thanks
Ray

 

[cometobanks]

The scariest part of that is you can warp a 22r head by looking at it sideways... I hope your back on the road with no worries after a new belt.

 

[T?@\7]

should i drive it in or have it towed? It idle's real high 1500-1800 and seems to like the heat up realll fast.... its the belt that goes around the alternator, sorry for my ignorance, but what else is it powering? Even with my fan on it still gets well above normal. Thanks ctb

Ray

 

[TooSharp]

It powers the water pump, that's why it's overheating. Go get a new belt, some wrenches and socket set. Swap the belt out on the side of the road and drive it home. Why you're there I would replace the other two, since you have to take them off anyways.

 

[Maritimer]

I have to learn how to replace my own belts. I changed them last week, and kept the old ones with my tire change gear in case of an emergency.

 

[fourwd1]

Nurse it home, have it towed, whatever. Than replace all the belts.

 

[T?@\7]

$11 later and we are good to go.
I dont have any tools, but was able to borrow a friends and with some simple guidance we are good to go!
Yeah, pardon my ignorance, I am kind of engine dumb....thats why I didnt realise or even think about the water pump. Thanks for your help guys, as always.

Raydog