I have a 92 Bonnie SSEi. The first thing I did was replace the harmonic balancer because the rubber was split (rough running, some metal noise) and it fixed that issue. Quiet as can be for about 1000 miles. Now when the car is hot I hear a similar noise. I can watch the lower belt tensioner start to bounce a little. ONLY WHEN ITS HOT. The car does have a slight misfire. Only felt with the Torque converter locked. Never heard. The only time the car makes this sound is when its hot at idle, more in gear idling. Fuel pump, plugs and wires have been done very recently. I figured that bearing on the tensioner pulley was seazing up so id replace. The plastic pulley that came off was replaced with a metal pulley. Now the noise sounds like a bell when it happens. I feel like this could be a mix of issues that has to do with belt alignment, that misfire, and a weak spring in the tensioner itself. Keep in mind this car runs 2 serpentine belts. Any input would be appreciated.
-cavemandan
Belt tensioner noise at idle, warm only
-
CavemanDan
- SE Member
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2020 11:55 am
- Year and Trim: 1994 SSEi
1992 SSEi
-
J Wikoff
- Administrator
- Posts: 17080
- Joined: Mon May 19, 2008 7:01 pm
- Year and Trim: 1992 SSE
2009 G8 GT - Location: Central Illinois
- Contact:
Re: Belt tensioner noise at idle, warm only
I've had that happen, and the then belt shredded. Have you checked yours out for fraying?
WHITE WHINE - 1992 SSE Supercharged 236.26 ci (.040 Over) 15.090 at 90.2 MPH on old engine w/ slipping trans & melted O2 sensor - Gen 3 M62 and matching TB, Gen 2 Pully, Zillamotorsports Ported LIM, YT 1.72 Roller Rockers, SII FPR & Injectors, Hypertech Thermomaster chip w/ 160 Thermo, TransGo Shift Kit, Infinity/Pioneer Speakers & a 10" Alpine Type R Sub, all the watts, 140 amp Alternator, Ricepipe CAI w/ heatshield, Pilot Angel Eye Foglights, Clear Corners, '02 17" Chrome Bent 5's, Magnaflow F-Body Muffler and Hi-flo Cat, Ceramic Coated Ported Exhaust Manifolds, Fan Override, Monroe Reflex struts, red calipers
2009 G8 GT - Sport Red Metallic, loaded, SOLO Axlebacks, Rotofab Intake, Tuned, autodim mirror, removed intake manifold cover, HSV GTS triple gauge pod, two tone red-hot shifter and HSV SuperSport steering wheel, GXP rear sway bar and diffuser, 3.45 diff and various Camaro suspension bits, LED Taillights
-
CavemanDan
- SE Member
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2020 11:55 am
- Year and Trim: 1994 SSEi
1992 SSEi
Re: Belt tensioner noise at idle, warm only
No, neither belt looks to be frayed. I'd say they are in fact 10+ years old though.
-
CavemanDan
- SE Member
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2020 11:55 am
- Year and Trim: 1994 SSEi
1992 SSEi
Re: Belt tensioner noise at idle, warm only
I dont think it matters that my belts are old. I think the lower tensioner spring itself is worn. Yet, the rattle is coming from a misfire that went away with a 94 throttle body that doesn't fit right. Yeah, it spills coolant from the bottom but it runs better. The rattle is masked by smooth operation.