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Check main pulley Posted by Ari [Email] (#2847) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Ari) on Mon, 19 Jul 2004 06:24:03 In Reply to: squeeky belt noise?, marco [Profile/Gallery] , Sun, 18 Jul 2004 16:39:17 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The classic symptom of a failing main pulley (aka Harmonic Balancer) is a loud squeal at startup. It starts as a short squeal, and over time lasts longer and longer. Until it fails. Not all pulleys give the squeal warning, but it's worth checking.
The main pulley is the largest pulley at the bottom of the engine. Draw a chalk line across the face. Do a startup and shutdown. Check the line - is it straight? If not, replace the main pulley immediately.
The pulley is made up of two metal pieces- a small disk mounted to the crankshaft, and the outer piece, that the belt runs on. Between is a thin rubber piece. This rubber fails over time, and the outer piece rotates a little, causing the squeal. Over time, the outer piece will either move inwards towards the engine, and start chewing into the oil pump cover. Or it migrates out, and falls off. You may also notice that the belts aren't running true in the grooves.
If the pulley checks out OK, it may be a loose belt, or an old one. I like replacing serpentine belts every 2-3 years. No big deal on the '88. As to tension, with the engine off, press down on the top of the belt, about half-way between the power steering pump and the tensioner. It should feel pretty stiff - it'll take a lot of push to move it 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Check that pulley. Check the archives on 'pulley' or 'harmonic'.
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