Idler Pulley Tension.

[motorhead]

We 'scoped the engine and the noise (which does speed up with the engine RPM) appears to be coming from the top-front-driver's side of the engine. Or so a big piece of heater hose would have us believe

Soooo, in the pursuit of the "knock" we are looking at the simple things first: Accessory bearings

Among these are the idler pulley... when examining this puppy it seems that the pulley itself has a lot of fore-aft play in it. How much is acceptable? I have a second/back-up pulley that has about 1/2 as much play in the pulley itself. Is this a rebuild it, or buy a new one situation?

Also, I understand that a worn alternator can make a "knock" as well... my alternator was getting unusually hot in just a few minutes of run time. This MAY be because the battery is a bit lower in charge than it should be and consequently the charging system is compensating. Could a bad alternator bearing = excessive case heating?

<Note: The torque converter bolts were checked & found tight, and the flywheel appears crack free>

Thanks,

 

[Steve Wood]

The tensioner is a common source of noise and should have virtually no play in it. I believe it has a standard alternator replacement bearing in it which is readily available.

The bearing number has been posted on the mailing list numerous times as I recall and a search of the archives should turn it up.

 

[motorhead]

Thanks Steve... looks like more work for Superman!

 

[Steve Wood]

when he is finished, send him my way!

 

[Jimn8or]

Don't forget to put that piece of heater hose on the top of the cam sensor before you start blowing $$$ on other items
Jim

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Top/ft engine noise.

Take the belt off and start the engine!! Noise gone?? replace the $4.00 brg in the tensioner.[If it's loose, it's time for a rebuild anyhow] Gone? story ended. Not? Have the alt spun up at the elec. shop. Gone? MOST likely 1, or both, are worn out. While the belt's off check to see if the balancer is loose, if the WP shaft is loose, the PS shaft is loose, the AC clutch is loose.
Listen to the ft cover and the cam sensor?? Hear anything strange?
Oh ya, check to see when you take the belt off that the tensioner is not hitting the bracket.. This will happen if the belt is the wrong length...

 

[motorhead]

Steve, I had Superman spin my alt. so that I could hear the click. Sounds like the front bearing is shot! So I'll have rebuild kit ordered in the morning.

Anyway, I sent ol' Supes your way

Thanks Chuck.
Thanks Jim.