I've had my 914 for a few months, and it has had a couple owners before me. But a week or so ago the "Generator" light on my dash went crazy. Eventually the car wouldn't start.

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I wonder if that is the original belt. Certainly seems like it could be.

Lol, that would do it. Reminds me of an experience with my first car, a 1970 Datsun 510. I was cruising along about 70mph when all the sudden it sounded like my engine scattered big time. Pulled over immediately, popped the hood, and saw the fan belt started coming apart and the pieces that let go were thrashing around against everything making the noise. Big relief.

Fortunately there was enough left of the belt I was able to trim the loose flappy bits with a pocket knife, snug it up a little and make it to a parts house.

Good reminder to check over all important rubber parts. At least we don't have to worry about radiator hoses too.

Always carry a spare belt in an air-cooled car

Because it drives the alternator. Unless you have an aftermarket air-driven alternative? [sarcarsm]

Thats the big difference between the T1 bug engine and the T3/4 engines. On the type 1 the belt also drives the cooling fan. Big upgrade with the crank driven fan on T3/4 engines.

Why did T1 come into this? The TIV has an alternator belt.