If a generator belt is loose will it cause a 1972 vw bug to mist?

Answer 1

Is it Mist or Miss? If it's mist you're talking about, determine if you have somehow come in contact with Herbie or some other Bug with human like emotions and characteristics. If it's Miss as in the engine is not firing on all cylinders the answer is, probably not. Bugs of that age can run on almost no voltage. Unless the belt is so loose that the charging system is not working at all and the battery is completely depleted it won't cause a miss. Look at the ignition system from the points, rotor, Distributor cap and especially the spark plugs and wires. Worst case if you have a serious exhaust valve leak it may appear to be a miss. If you have ruled out the ignition system, get a compression check of all cylinders. Quick check for an exhaust valve leak is to place a crisp dollar bill on the end of the exhaust pipe holding it with your finger at the top of the circular opening firmly. (Don't burn your finger) If you hear the bill slapping the exhaust opening as it gets sucked back by the open exhaust valve then it's time to tear that engine apart before you drop that valve into the engine and cause more serious damage. Water cooled engines can tolerate a valve leak better than air cooled. Bad exhaust valves need almost immediate attention on an air cooled engine.