My Olds 88(1989) broke down on Friday. Car developed a slight squeeling noise and a couple of miles later the engine died. When trying to start it up again to get out of traffic, smoke came out from under the hood after the 3rd try to start it. Popped the hood and the belt was broken but also burnt for an inch where the break is and the alternator pulley has burnt rubber on it.
So it seems the car died and the belt was still ok, but when trying to start it the alternator pulley spun and the belt didn't, burning the belt and breaking it. But the alternator pully only turns by the belt so I cant figure out how this happened. I checked the belt tensioner and it seems ok, and turned the alternator pulley by hand and it turns fine and some times has a little resistance when turning. Can't figure this one out. Anyone have a similar problem before?
Olds 88 Drivebelt Mystery
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89OldsRocket
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- Year and Trim: 1989 Oldsmobile 88 Royale Brougham Regency - FE3
Olds 88 Drivebelt Mystery
1989 Oldsmobile 88 Royale Brougham Regency - Grey on Grey - FE3 - X06 Package - Limo Tint - Clarion HU - 2K Pontiac Grand Am 15" Alloy Rims
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ChilinMichael
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Re: Olds 88 Drivebelt Mystery
If the alternator pulley has actual burnt rubber on it, it would be from it holding the spinning belt and creating tension that heated the belt, cause a burn at that point...most likely. Not the belt not moving and the pulley moving...that would make absolutely no sense. Your crank drives the belt, something stopping it would cause an issue.
It is possible another accessory stopped and the burnt rubber transferred onto that pulley...check that everything else turns freely.
It is possible another accessory stopped and the burnt rubber transferred onto that pulley...check that everything else turns freely.
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J Wikoff
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Re: Olds 88 Drivebelt Mystery
The alternator must have siezed momentarily. Maybe a piece of belt shredded off and jammed the pulley while the rest of the belt stayed intact for a few seconds. When the belt/pulley siezed, it had enough of a grip on the crank pulley to stop the engine in its tracks.
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