My DTT equiped truck blew a CLUTCH! (Long)

[Stranger]

I guess I can join the 5-6 speeders by saying that I smoked a clutch!

I guess I need to add that it was the AC COMP. CLUTCH, (Bill K., Herb, you can both relax).

Went to Barstow to look at a lake, (it's a very long story) any way; fueled at Flying J, tried to start the truck, spun normally then it bound up. Spun the starter with 1/4 throttle, lots of smoke but a loud squeal; off the throttle, died.

Pop the hood, "Lana, spin it!", (while looking at the belt and keying on the A/C comp; everything but the A/C spins as normal.

Analytical *****Hole that I am, I remember the sticker on the radiator support notes the A/C or non A/C belt path. Me thinks, "If I can get a non A/C belt I can bypass the A/C comp and get home (400 miles), where the tools are.

A twice time valver pulls in to fuel, I ask if he's a TDR member, response is "What?", he took me to the local NAPA store. Extoled the virtues of TDR membership all the way, too.

I told the NAPA guy I needed a NON A/C belt for an A/C motor. He says its the same belt, my smart ***** side, not the real me , said Horse Hockey (or there abouts) and said there has got to be a different belt.

One of us was right, as there was a belt for a Non A/C motor. Guess what!!! It fits.

Thanks to a US ARMY A-1 Abrams (tank) mechanic (also not a member, also a twice time valver) who jumped under my lowered beast, saying "I'm gonna get dirty", he pushed the tensioner the last 1/2 inch to fit.

Moral, carry a Non A/C belt just in case your A/C comp takes a dump while on the road.